MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS

MasterChef: The Professionals is back for its 17th season, airing on BBC One and iPlayer. As the nights grow colder, the show brings some of Britain’s best chefs into the MasterChef kitchen for the ultimate cooking test. Thirty-two chefs will compete for the title of MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 Champion. Over seven weeks, they will show their skills, creativity, and resilience in intense challenges, all judged by Monica Galetti, Marcus Wareing, and Gregg Wallace. Monica returns for her second year since her break in 2022, bringing her no-nonsense judging style alongside Marcus and Gregg.

The 32 chefs start in heats. In each episode, four chefs face two tough tasks, hoping to reach the week’s quarter-final. To succeed, they must cook an impressive main and dessert in just 90 minutes, kicking off the competition.

Challenges include the Skills Test, where chefs tackle a classic dish under the judges’ watchful eyes; the Signature Dish, where they show their style on one plate; and the Invention Test, where they make a dish from one simple ingredient with limited options.

The Pop-Up Challenge lets chefs bring street food to life for critics and fans, and the Personal Dish round has them cook something meaningful. The season’s top event, the Chef’s Table, brings Michelin-starred chefs to try the contestants' dishes, with Monica and Marcus overseeing the kitchen and Gregg managing the dining room.

In 2023, 24-year-old Tom Hamblet won with his skilled techniques and creative plating. Trained at Westminster Kingsway College, Tom worked in top kitchens like The Latymer and Camellia alongside his chef parents.

The new season of MasterChef: The Professionals premieres Tuesday, October 29, with episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8 pm. There’s no cash prize, but winning brings huge opportunities—many winners go on to work in famous restaurants, write cookbooks, or even open their own. Get ready for an exciting season as these chefs cook their way to the top.

Images: BBC/Shine TV. MasterChef: The Professionals series will be available to watch on BBC One and catchup on the BBC iPlayer.