![\"Matt](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/matt-tebbutt.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMatt Tebbutt has spoken out after reports claimed he had been axed from MasterChef: The Professionals after just one series.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Amid the speculation, Mr Tebbutt took to Instagram to clarify the situation and reassure fans about his exit from the show.<\/p>\n
The Saturday Kitchen presenter joined the BBC cooking competition for its 18th series<\/p>\n
| <\/p>\n
BBC<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of lovely people have contacted me about not doing the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was only ever doing one series and I loved judging on it and will continue to work with MasterChef.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
One fan wrote: \u201cSuch a shame you\u2019re a natural \u2014 won\u2019t be the same without you.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Matt](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/matt-tebbutt-marcus-wareing.jpg\")
Matt Tebbutt and Marcus Wareing on MasterChef: The Professionals Season 18<\/p>\n
| BBC<\/p>\n
Another commented: \u201cYou ought to be a permanent fixture with the show.\u201d<\/p>\n
Others praised his judging style during the latest series, with one viewer writing: \u201cDisappointed you won\u2019t be doing more. I think you were kind and fair in your judging.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another added: \u201cYou are so good on it, you bring something more to the panel but I also get the logic \u2014 at least we have Saturday Kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want Matt, we want Matt,\u201d chanted one supporter.<\/p>\n
Mr Tebbutt\u2019s appearance on the programme was widely praised by viewers when the new series first aired.<\/p>\n
During the opening episode, Mr Wareing welcomed the chef to the judging panel, saying: \u201cGood to see you both, new competition, new kitchen and we have a new judge \u2014 welcome Matt!\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Tebbutt replied: \u201cThank you very much, great to be here, great to be a part of the MasterChef family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ahead of the series premiere, he had also spoken about how much he enjoyed filming the show and working with the contestants.<\/p>\n
![\"Gregg](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/gregg-wallace.jpg\")
\u201cIt\u2019s been a joy. I\u2019ve loved every minute,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve become so invested in the chefs and their progress and how they\u2019ve changed throughout the series.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also highlighted the dedication of the competitors taking part in the competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could easily think of MasterChef that, yes, it\u2019s just a TV show,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
![\"Matt](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773243309_17_matt-tebbutt.jpg\")
Matt Tebbutt<\/p>\n
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BBC<\/p>\n
\u201cBut for these chefs, it\u2019s so much more than that. There\u2019s a lot at stake and they take it very, very seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mr Wallace was fired in July 2025 after a report by production company Banijay upheld 45 misconduct allegations<\/a>, including claims of inappropriate sexual comments, unwelcome physical contact and incidents where he was reportedly in a \u201cstate of undress\u201d.<\/p>\n He later apologised for \u201cany distress caused\u201d, while maintaining he had been cleared of the most serious allegations.<\/p>\n![\"\\u200bJohn](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/u200bjohn-torode.jpg\")