MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 release schedule in full as BBC announce episode ‘exception’
MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 release schedule in full as BBC announce episode ‘exception’
Megan Nisbet Content Editor
09:44, 11 Feb 2026
MasterChef: The Professionals has made its comeback for 2026, but numerous BBC viewers are questioning when the next instalment will air following a scheduling reshuffle.
Series 18 has been hailed as a “new era” by Marcus Wareing as Matt Tebutt joins him and Monica Galetti on the judging panel, stepping in for Gregg Wallace. The culinary contest has also relocated studios and is now based in Birmingham, lending it a refreshed appearance.
“It feels like a new era in a way,” he said, adding: “A new studio, new location, new judge. It’s been lovely in so many ways. Everyone being in a new city and studio, the energy in the studio reminded me of when we came back from lockdown and we were back on set and everyone was just buzzing to be there.”
This year’s series will feature 32 of Britain’s most determined chefs competing to become the next champion and claim the prestigious trophy. Including Terry from the Wirral, who began his career at a local hotel.
Across the coming seven weeks, contestants will face rigorous tests of their abilities, innovation and gastronomic expertise as they tackle a succession of challenging tasks in pursuit of one of the culinary world’s most sought-after accolades, reports the Mirror.
Devotees of the programme won’t want to miss any of the action, so it’s worth noting the series, broadcast on BBC One, has already undergone a scheduling adjustment for its opening week.
Whilst specific transmission dates may fluctuate slightly week by week, series 18, which launched on February 10, will typically be shown on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
However, the BBC has announced that “as an exception” the third episode will be broadcast this weekend.
BBC viewers can expect changes to their regular programming as the network clears its schedule for the Winter Olympics 2026. Over 450 hours of live action from Milan-Cortina will be shown on the BBC until Thursday, 22 February.
The broadcaster is also providing live coverage of The FA Cup, with shows such as Father Brown, Death in Paradise and Silent Witness affected by the scheduling alterations. Here’s when you can catch MasterChef: The Professionals over the forthcoming fortnight.
MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 release schedule
- Episode 1 – Tuesday, February 10 at 8pm
- Episode 2 – Wednesday, February 11 at 8pm
- Episode 3 – Sunday, February 12 at 7pm
- Episode 4 – Tuesday, February 17 at 8pm
- Episode 5 – Wednesday, February 18 at 8pm
MasterChef: The Professionals airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
- BBC
