Matt Tebbutt, a familiar face to British food lovers as the host of Saturday Kitchen, has embarked on an exciting new chapter in his culinary career. On September 6, 2025, it was officially announced that Tebbutt, aged 51, will be joining MasterChef: The Professionals as a judge for its eagerly anticipated 18th series. This move marks a significant moment both for Tebbutt and for the long-running BBC cooking competition, as he steps into a high-profile role alongside the esteemed Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti.
The news was met with a wave of enthusiasm—both in the Saturday Kitchen studio and across social media. According to The Mirror, Tebbutt’s colleagues and fans alike celebrated the announcement, raising glasses and sharing congratulatory messages. The chef himself appeared genuinely thrilled, telling BBC Media: “It’s an absolute honour to be working alongside these two titans of the food world. Their knowledge and uncompromising attitude is now the stuff of legend and I look forward to them taking me under their wing and seeing the chefs get off to a flying start in the competition!”
This new appointment comes as Tebbutt replaces Gregg Wallace, who had served as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals since its inception in 2008. Wallace stepped away from the show in late 2024 after allegations of historical misconduct surfaced. A BBC investigation upheld at least 45 allegations against Wallace, including inappropriate sexual language, unwelcome physical contact, and instances of culturally insensitive or racist comments. In July 2025, Wallace issued a public apology, stating he was “deeply sorry for any distress” he caused and adding, “I never set out to harm or humiliate.” The BBC subsequently severed ties with Wallace, a move welcomed by Downing Street, whose spokesperson said, “We’re clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future.”
For MasterChef: The Professionals, Tebbutt’s arrival signals a fresh start. David Ambler, Executive Editor of the show, expressed confidence in the new judging lineup: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome Matt on board for the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals. His career as a chef, restaurateur and food broadcaster makes him an ideal choice to join this year’s judging line-up and we can’t wait to discover the crop of exciting new talent.”
Tebbutt’s credentials are certainly impressive. Beyond his prominent television roles, he brings a wealth of experience as a chef, restaurateur, and author of several cookbooks. He’s known for his dynamic presence on Saturday Kitchen, which he will continue to host alongside his new judging duties. This balancing act is nothing new for Tebbutt, who has spent decades navigating the demands of the culinary world while maintaining a strong family life.
Behind the scenes, Tebbutt enjoys the steadfast support of his wife Lisa and their two adult children, Jessie and Henry. The couple, who married in 1999, recently celebrated their 25th anniversary—a milestone marked with quiet pride rather than fanfare. Their relationship, which began in a rather unconventional way (as Tebbutt once revealed on the Grilled by The Staff Canteen podcast, “I used to go out with her sister – next [question]! Fun fact.”), has weathered the challenges of both personal and professional partnerships. The two previously ran the Foxhunter pub in Nant-y-derry, Wales, before stepping back to improve their work-life balance.
“Working alongside each other was tough, but we’re still together. We worked well as a team – Lisa is great with people, whereas I’m the bolshie chef in the kitchen. She definitely wears the trousers, no question... followed by my daughter!” Tebbutt told The Mirror. He credits Lisa with keeping him grounded, especially as his public profile has grown. “Lisa’s very aware of me turning into an a*se, and she’ll keep that in check,” he joked, dismissing any notion of celebrity excess with characteristic humility.
The Tebbutt family resides in the picturesque Welsh village of Llantilio Crossenny, a tranquil setting far removed from the glare of television studios. Family remains central to Matt’s life, and he has spoken fondly of the joys and challenges of raising adult children. In 2023, viewers of Saturday Kitchen witnessed a touching “proud dad” moment when Matt received a text live on air from his daughter Jessie, informing him she had achieved a first-class degree from Goldsmiths University. Beaming with pride, he announced, “I’ve just had a text from my daughter. Proud dad moment. She got a first at university.” The studio erupted in applause, with guests and viewers alike sharing in the celebration.
Jessie’s accomplishments extend beyond academia; she also performed as a drummer with the band Cape Orange while studying. Reflecting on this new phase of parenthood, Tebbutt told the Daily Express, “My daughter is now at University in London, so we get to meet up pretty often... usually over a long lunch. I’ve entered a new phase of parenthood where we get to do grown-up adult things like that which is amazing.”
As Tebbutt prepares to help shape the next generation of culinary talent on MasterChef: The Professionals, he brings not only technical expertise but also a sense of warmth and humility that has endeared him to colleagues and audiences alike. His journey from restaurateur in rural Wales to national television personality is a testament to his passion for food and his commitment to both his craft and his family.
The stage is set for an invigorating new series of MasterChef: The Professionals. With Tebbutt joining Wareing and Galetti, the show promises to offer a blend of rigorous critique, culinary wisdom, and—perhaps most importantly—a dose of humanity. For fans of the show and admirers of Tebbutt’s work, the new season can’t come soon enough.
