MasterChef The Professionals in major schedule shake up after being pulled off air – and fans will be furious
MASTERCHEF The Professionals is being bumped from its usual time slot in two weeks to accommodate the annual Children in Need show.
The cooking series, which began airing yesterday, sees 32 of the most skilled chefs in the UK battle it out to become this year’s culinary champion.
MasterChef is aired weekly on BBC One on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights until the end of the competition.
However, on the week beginning November 11, it will be shown on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday instead.
On Monday and Tuesday it will be screened at 9pm, instead of its usual 8pm slot.
These changes are happening to make room for Children in Need performances on Friday, November 15.
The three hour Children in Need extravaganza boasts comedy sketches, musical talent and surprise guests and is aired to raise funds for the Beeb’s charity.
One of the pieces of entertainment audiences will enjoy instead of MasterChef that night is an early screening of this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special, Joy to the World.
Countryfile presenters will also return for their annual countryside ramble through the Peak District with children who have been supported by the charity in the past.
Although thousands of viewers tune in for Children in Need every year, MasterChef fans will be annoyed to see their weekly Friday night entertainment shifted to a slot earlier in the week.
Heats began on The Professionals this week, which saw chefs tasked with preparing specific dishes in 20 minutes.
Regular judge Marcus Wareing was blown away by the show of talent on this year’s Skills Test, and branded it one of the best he’s seen in the past decade of the show.
He also gushed: “One chef this time listened carefully to the brief, didn’t overly try to impress, held their nerve and made a dish almost identical to the one I put up.
“I can’t wait to see what they do next!”
Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace are returning as judges this year alongside Michelin-star chef Marcus.
This is Gregg’s tenth year in the role, and while reflecting on his time on MasterChef, he said: “It’s a privilege to be part of this show, it’s forever changing and evolving, so the past 10 years have flown by.”
He went on to joke about the lack of appreciation from his co-stars, adding: “Although, Monica and Gregg didn’t get me a cake, a glass of champagne or anything to celebrate!”