MasterChef 2023: Everything you need to know

Masterchef 2023 has kicked off on BBC One, with a brand new slate of contestants set to battle it out to be crowned the UK’s top ameteur cook.

The series begins with a two-night run of episodes, which kicked off on Easter Monday, with the first nine hopefuls faced with cooking a family favourite to impress the judges.

The show has been a fixture on screens since it first began in 2005, with a slate of ameteur tasked with preparing a three-course meal within a strict time limit.

But the series isn’t without drama, with many kitchen disasters leaving viewers in hysterics as they attempt to present their finished dish for judging.

So, as viewers tune into the latest series of Masterchef, here is everything you need to know…

When does Masterchef air?

Following its opening episode on Easter Monday, Masterchef kicks off its new series a two-night event, airing its next episodes on April 11 and April 14.

The following week, the next rounds of auditions will air on Tuesday, April 18, Thursday, April 20 and Friday, April 21.

BBC are yet to announce when the latter episodes will be broadcast, though last series ran for 21 episodes.  

What is the first challenge? 

The first challenge that faces the contestants is the ‘Family Favourites’ round, with each heat consisting of nine ameteur chefs who are tasked with recreating a dish that is considered a favourite at home.

However, they must put a new twist on their dish to provie why they deserve to progress in the competition, and the best three will win a MasterChef apron and automatically go through to the next round.

After this, the remaining six chefs will face the Invention Test, tasked with creating a unique dish in just 30 minutes, with their only instruction being that it must be savoury or sweet. 

At this point, the two weakest contestants will be sent home, meaning only seven will make it through to the next round.

Exciting! The series begins with a two-night run of episodes, with the first nine hopefuls faced with cooking a family favourite to impress the judges

Who is in the lineup?

BBC bosses are tight-lipped on who will be appearing on this year’s Masterchef, revealing each slate of contestants during their first appearance on screen.

Who are the judges?

Since it was revived in 2005, Masterchef has been judged by John Torode and Gregg Wallace.

Outside of the show John is best known for hosting John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen alongside his wife Lisa Faulkner, and is also reknowned for popularising Australian food in the UK in his restaurants The Luxe and Smiths of Smithfields.

Meanwhile Gregg, a former greengrocer, has appeared on BBC series’ Live Well For Less and Inside The Factory, though he recently announced that he will be departing the show. 

It’s back! The first challenge that faces the contestants is the ‘Family Favourites’ round, with each heat consisting of nine ameteur chefs

For this year’s Masterchef, John and Gregg will be joined a number of guest judges, including food critic William Sitwell and last year’s finalists Eddie Scott, Pookie Tredell and Radha Kaushal-Bolland. 

Once again, India Fisher – who has appeared in shows including Dead Ringers, Peep Show, and Doctor Who – will return to narrate the show. 

Will there be another series? 

BBC have already announced that Masterchef will be returning to screens in 2024, after reaching a six-year deal with production company Shine TV in February 2022.