Saturday Kitchen star halts show as Matt Tebbutt announces major career news
Matt Tebbutt had some big news to share with Saturday Kitchen viewers after years of hosting the BBC show
www.express.co.ukHere’s what I can tell you about the latest news on Matt Tebbutt leaving MasterChef: The Professionals.
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Multiple outlets reporting in early March–May 2026 state that Matt Tebbutt did not return as a permanent host on MasterChef: The Professionals after Series 18, with coverage suggesting his role was intended as a one-series engagement rather to be a long-term position. Some pieces describe producers reshaping the show’s presenting lineup and format, while Tebbutt himself indicated he was never meant to stay for more than one series and would continue collaborating with MasterChef in some capacity [sources cited in this summary: The Sun via The Staff Canteen reporting of Tebbutt’s one-series role and departure; The Staff Canteen and Express coverage noting his statement and context].[2][3][4]
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Tebbutt publicly addressed the departure in March 2026, clarifying that he was “only ever doing one series” and expressing that he enjoyed judging, while confirming ongoing collaboration with MasterChef in some capacity, such as guest appearances or future roles rather than a formal return as a regular judge.[4][2]
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Following the initial reports, additional outlets and coverage in May 2026 highlighted Tebbutt’s emotional response to leaving and noted that he continued to be involved in related projects, though not as a regular host on MasterChef: The Professionals.[1][5]
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In terms of what’s next for Tebbutt, reports during March–April 2026 suggest he pursued new BBC-related or culinary-media roles, with several outlets indicating he would remain active in television or food projects beyond MasterChef: The Professionals, though specifics vary by piece.[6][7]
If you’d like, I can:
- Compile a concise timeline of the announcements and Tebbutt’s own statements with exact dates.
- Pull direct quotes from the key articles to illustrate the narrative.
- Look for any official BBC statements or press releases confirming the show’s hosting changes and Tebbutt’s status, if you want primary sources.