Matt Tebbutt has spoken out after reports claimed he had been axed from MasterChef: The Professionals after just one series.
The Saturday Kitchen presenter joined the BBC cooking competition for its 18th series, stepping in as a judge alongside Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti following the departure of Gregg Wallace.
However, recent reports suggested the 52-year-old would not be returning for the next series, with claims producers believed the programme could continue with just Mr Wareing and Ms Galetti on the judging panel.
Amid the speculation, Mr Tebbutt took to Instagram to clarify the situation and reassure fans about his exit from the show.
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The Saturday Kitchen presenter joined the BBC cooking competition for its 18th series
|BBC
“A lot of lovely people have contacted me about not doing the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals,” he wrote.
“I was only ever doing one series and I loved judging on it and will continue to work with MasterChef.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments section of the post with messages of support, with many saying they were disappointed to see him leave the show after just one series.
One fan wrote: “Such a shame you’re a natural — won’t be the same without you.”
Matt Tebbutt and Marcus Wareing on MasterChef: The Professionals Season 18
| BBCAnother commented: “You ought to be a permanent fixture with the show.”
Others praised his judging style during the latest series, with one viewer writing: “Disappointed you won’t be doing more. I think you were kind and fair in your judging.”
Another added: “You are so good on it, you bring something more to the panel but I also get the logic — at least we have Saturday Kitchen.”
“We want Matt, we want Matt,” chanted one supporter.
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Mr Tebbutt’s appearance on the programme was widely praised by viewers when the new series first aired.
During the opening episode, Mr Wareing welcomed the chef to the judging panel, saying: “Good to see you both, new competition, new kitchen and we have a new judge — welcome Matt!”
Mr Tebbutt replied: “Thank you very much, great to be here, great to be a part of the MasterChef family.”
Ahead of the series premiere, he had also spoken about how much he enjoyed filming the show and working with the contestants.
The Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Specials had to be pulled from the BBC schedule in December following the Gregg Wallace saga | BBC“It’s been a joy. I’ve loved every minute,” he said.
“I’ve become so invested in the chefs and their progress and how they’ve changed throughout the series.”
He also highlighted the dedication of the competitors taking part in the competition.
“You could easily think of MasterChef that, yes, it’s just a TV show,” he explained.
Matt Tebbutt
|BBC
“But for these chefs, it’s so much more than that. There’s a lot at stake and they take it very, very seriously.”
The rumours of his axing come after the BBC recently dismissed both of its long-serving hosts, Gregg Wallace and John Torode, following a misconduct investigation.
Mr Wallace was fired in July 2025 after a report by production company Banijay upheld 45 misconduct allegations, including claims of inappropriate sexual comments, unwelcome physical contact and incidents where he was reportedly in a “state of undress”.
He later apologised for “any distress caused”, while maintaining he had been cleared of the most serious allegations.
John Torode was removed from the show after a BBC investigation concluded he had used racist language | GETTYMr Torode was also axed in July 2025 after an allegation that he used an “extremely offensive” racist term in the workplace was upheld.
The independent review substantiated the claim, leading the BBC to decide not to renew his contract.
Mr Torode has said he has “no recollection” of the incident but acknowledged that such language is wholly unacceptable.