MasterChef: The Professionals star Matt Tebbutt is reportedly facing the axe from his presenting role after appearing on the show for just one series.
The Saturday Kitchen chef, 52, joined the BBC cooking competition as a new host for its 18th season, stepping in to replace Gregg Wallace. He appeared alongside long-time judges Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti, forming a three-person presenting lineup for the professional edition of the beloved show.
However, insiders claim that Tebbutt may not return for the next series after producers reportedly concluded that the programme works better with just Marcus and Monica leading the kitchen.
According to a source, the decision had little to do with Tebbutt’s performance. Instead, producers reportedly felt that three hosts simply crowded the format. The insider said that while Matt’s exit might puzzle viewers, he had done nothing wrong and could still return to the show in a different capacity.
The source explained that bosses realised they could get away with having only Marcus and Monica at the helm, especially given their strong chemistry and close working relationship.
Despite the rumours, the BBC has insisted that no final decision has yet been made regarding the future presenting lineup.
A spokesperson said that no decisions have been made about the presenting lineup for future series of MasterChef and that the broadcaster will not comment on speculation.
Tebbutt’s uncertain future on the programme comes even though many fans praised his debut when the latest season premiered last month.
During the opening episode, Marcus Wareing warmly welcomed the newcomer to the show, telling him: Good to see you both, new competition, new kitchen and we have a new judge, welcome Matt.
Matt replied that he was delighted to join the programme, saying thank you very much, it was great to be there and to become part of the MasterChef family. Marcus jokingly warned him to strap himself in, adding that it was going to be quite a journey.
Viewers were quick to react on social media, with many praising Tebbutt’s calm presence and culinary expertise. Some fans called him excellent and said he was a great addition to the kitchen.
Others commented that it was refreshing to see Matt on the show and said he seemed to fit naturally with the existing judges.
Yet not all reactions were positive. A number of viewers questioned whether the programme needed three judges at all, suggesting that the expanded lineup made the show feel crowded.
Some fans joked online that having three judges felt like too many cooks spoiling the broth, while others admitted they weren’t entirely sure what Tebbutt added to the format.
Before the series premiered, Tebbutt spoke enthusiastically about his experience filming the show, revealing how much he had enjoyed working alongside his fellow judges.
He said the experience had been a joy and that he had loved every minute, adding that Marcus and Monica had been incredibly supportive throughout the process.
Tebbutt also said he became deeply invested in the chefs competing on the programme, explaining that their dedication and growth throughout the competition had impressed him.
He added that people might assume MasterChef is simply a television show, but for the chefs involved it is far more than that. According to Tebbutt, there is a great deal at stake and the contestants take the competition very seriously.
Whether he returns as a full-time presenter or only appears as a guest in the future remains to be seen.
