MasterChef is returning to the BBC for its 22nd series with new judges Anna Haugh and Grace Dent

MasterChef is making its comeback to BBC One for its 22nd series.

Irish chef Anna Haugh and restaurant critic Grace Dent have taken over from Gregg Wallace and John Torode for the fresh series, which launches at 9pm this evening (Tuesday, April 21).

The opening heat will welcome six gifted amateur cooks into the kitchen for their first challenge. Their primary goal will be securing one of four coveted white MasterChef aprons: their ticket to the exciting adventure that lies ahead. The first two will go to the cooks who impress Anna and Grace with their Signature Dish.

The remaining four contenders will get one last chance to showcase their skills as they battle for the final two aprons, taking on the Classic Recipe Test. The victorious contestants will then encounter another hurdle to claim their quarter-final place, as they aim to wow last year's finalist with two courses.

Among them is Wandsworth resident Harry Maguire, who claimed the MasterChef Champion 2025 title. The ex-fishmonger surpassed scores of aspiring contestants throughout a succession of spectacular challenges, even preparing dishes for culinary icons such as Heston Blumenthal, reports the Express.

Speaking to the Express, Harry previously revealed what it was like being inside the BBC cooking studio, divulging details that most audiences won't witness on screen.

"Walking into the studio for the first time was a real pinch myself moment. I'd seen the studio so many times on previous series of MasterChef, so actually being there for the first time felt really special," he shared.

"Nothing can quite prepare you for the intensity of the MasterChef kitchen. Time seems to pass, and double the speed, and silly mistakes in your cooking that you've practised hundreds of times before can suddenly start happening. It's a truly exhilarating experience."

Discussing the filming process, Harry disclosed that producers firmly instructed contestants to follow one specific rule.

"We were asked not to swear when in the MasterChef kitchen during challenges. They promoted an environment that allowed you to enjoy the challenges as much as possible. The focus then became about trying to remember your timings because every single cook came down to the last few seconds," the star admitted.

"The whole filming experience took place over the course of about 12 weeks, with the filming ramping up as we got closer and closer to the final. The last couple of weeks, we were filming most days of the week."

Harry concluded: "I didn't apply to MasterChef with the view to winning it, I simply wanted to test my skills and have fun as part of the experience. As the challenges progressed, I developed my skills massively, but I never allowed myself to think that I could win. I just kept focusing on the next challenge."

The budding chefs competing in the opening heat of MasterChef 2026 include digital portfolio manager Rosdip, 33, construction project company director Brendan, 57, tech programme manager Jhané, 29, and environmental consultant Sabina, 49.

Joining them will be accounts assistant Samantha, 39, who describes herself as a "superfan" of the show, alongside IT manager Matt, 41, who hails from West Yorkshire.

MasterChef season 22 is available to stream on BBC iPlayer