MasterChef 2022 return date confirmed - and there's not long to go

Virgin Radio

10 Mar 2022, 12:59

We’ll be feeling the heat of the MasterChef kitchen very soon!

The BBC have confirmed that the new series of long-running cooking competition will begin on Wednesday 23rd March, only a few weeks away. 

In a tweet confirming the release date, the official MasterChef UK Twitter account confirmed both John Torode and Gregg Wallace will return as hosts, at the start time of 8pm. 

It comes after the BBC announced the beloved series will soon move from its London home and instead film from Birmingham. 

According to Radiotimes.com, from 2024, the high-stakes cooking show will make the move as part of a new deal with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight to film at his Digbeth Loc studios. 

Both the MasterChef: The Professionals and celeb version of the show will also be made in the West Midlands region. 

In a statement at the time, BBC director general Tim Davie said: “This is great news for Birmingham and the BBC.

"We said we would create jobs and investment, bringing decision-making and productions to the West Midlands as part of our ‘Across the UK’ plans. Moving one of our biggest programme brands shows we are making that a reality.”

Back in December, when the finale of MasterChef: The Professionals aired, loyal fans were shocked to hear what really happens to all the delicious food made on the show once cameras stopped rolling. 

According to Metro, the show is dedicated to ensuring no food is wasted, and it’s the crew who get to taste all of those culinary delights. 

Yes, camera operators and directors are the ones who help the judges polish off those tasty meals, and while things no doubt had to change due to COVID-19 restrictions, the show has remained committed to minimising food waste. 

Series 18 of MasterChef airs on BBC One on Wednesday 23rd March and 8pm.