Beloved BBC cooking show returning to screens next year with brand new judge
A BELOVED BBC cookery show is returning next year - but with a new judge.
Young Masterchef aired its first series earlier this year, and saw Keziah Whittaker beat 14 other aspiring chefs to the title.
Now, the BBC has confirmed the series will return for a second helping next year.
However chef and judge Kerth Gumbs will not be returning alongside Poppy O'Toole, and Big Has will be taking his place.
Big Has is a chef, food presenter, YouTuber and best-selling author and first appeared in the series as a guest judge.
Big Has said: “I can’t quite believe I’m going to be an actual MasterChef judge.
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"I’ve had so much respect for MasterChef over the years and to become part of food TV history blows my mind. I may not believe it until step I front of the cameras with Poppy.
"Getting to see the freshest cooking talent and taste some amazing dishes is a dream and I can’t wait to discover all the incredible foodies hiding in plain sight!”
Poppy added: “I’m thrilled that Big Has is on board for the next series – I’ve loved watching his creations for years and I’ve told him he needs to BBQ for lunch one day on set!
"Working with him last year on Young MasterChef was inspiring and its brilliant to be back in the MasterChef studio with him to welcome the next generation of culinary talent."
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Big Has was born and raised in Edmonton and graduated from Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen training programme in 2011.
He then spent a decade cooking in high-end kitchens all over London until the Covid-19 pandemic, at which point he launched his hugely popular YouTube channel Sunday Sessions – creating delicious dishes from around the world in his garden.
Big Has is also the best-selling author of HOME and regularly appears as a chef and food talent in the media.
Young MasterChef challenges fresh, up-and-coming food talent emerging from Britain’s food revolution, aged between 18 and 25.
The hopefuls take on increasingly tough and exhilarating cooking tasks to prove they are the next foodie sensation and claim the coveted trophy.
The judges are joined by exciting foodie guests throughout the series.
Young Masterchef series two will air next year, while series one is available on BBC iPlayer now.