Future of hit BBC cooking series revealed after almost two decades on air
BBC bosses have revealed the future of the Great British menu – and it is set to return for its landmark 20th season in 2025.
Former champion Lorna McNee is going to bring a fresh dynamic to the judge’s table by joining renowned chef Tom Kerridge and comedian Ed Gamble in critiquing the next wave of the UK’s top culinary talents.
The new season aims to celebrate ‘Great Britons’ by requiring chefs to cook up dishes that are inspired by historical icons from their local areas.
These inspirational figures can range from ancient heroes to modern influencers.
Lorna is known for her trailblazing role as the Chef Director of Glasgow’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Cail Bruich.
As Scotland’s only female Michelin-starred chef, she provides an example for competitors on the programme.
She is taking over from Nisha Katona, who is stepping down as a judge after three years.
Nisha paid tribute to her colleagues in an emotional statement, saying: “I absolutely loved the time I was lucky enough to spend on Great British Menu.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I pass on this most delicious of batons.
“I will miss my wonderful brother judges and the fantastic crew terribly. I loved every moment I was fortunate enough to spend with them.”
Meanwhile Lorna also shared some reflections on her exciting new role, saying: “Winning Great British Menu back in 2018 made a huge difference to my career as a chef and was partly behind me becoming Chef Director at Cail Bruich, so I know just how much the competition means to Britain’s chefs.
“Being invited to join the judges this year was a total surprise but a delight, and I’m loving the chance to help choose this year’s banquet finalists.
“Tom, Ed, and Andi have made me feel very welcome, and I’m also meeting some amazing guest judges every week – each of whom has been invited to help us choose the dishes representing their areas to go with this year’s theme of UK Heroes.”
One such guest judge who is connected to the heritage of a particular area is Ben Thomas from Scotland.
The firefighter and RNLI volunteer – who was recently honoured at the Pride of Scotland awards – will be lending his insight when it comes to cuisine from up North.
Show host Andi Oliver shared her anticipation for the upcoming series of the Great British Menu, gushing: “It is an honour and continues to be a huge privilege to mentor Britain’s top chefs through the process of competing on Great British Menu, and it’s incredible to think the series is now in its 20th year.
“The competition strives to provide a platform for new chef talent from all over Britain, and we hope to do so for many years to come.
“In fact, this year, it’s great to see a former winner of our competition, Scotland’s formidable Lorna McNee, join us as a judge.
“Audiences are in for a treat! The chefs have come up with incredible ideas on this year’s theme.
“It’s so exciting to see how many of them have come up with unsung local heroes for us to celebrate.”
The 20th series of Great British Menu will air on BBC Two and iPlayer in early 2025.