THE return date for the brand new season of MasterChef has been revealed by the BBC, and fans won’t need to wait long to watch the cooking competition play out.
But this year, some have noticed there’s a huge change to the schedule – and it’s not the new roster of hosts.
Just eleven days away, the 22nd series of Masterchef is kicking off on 21 April at 9pm on BBC One.
The series will see Grace Dent and Anna Haugh at the helm, in replacement of axed judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
But the judges aren’t the only different thing this time around.
The series will also be one week shorter than usual, with only 21 episodes – rather than the usual run of 22.
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Six chefs will take to the launch episode for the series’ first heat, with only four of them set to make it through to the next round.
Last September, The Sun revealed that Grace and Anna had been brought in as Gregg and John’s replacement.
The pair, both 60, had hosted since 2005 but were axed over inappropriate behaviour.
Anna, a regular guest and a judge for the 2022 professionals series, took over from shamed Wallace for the final episodes of the most recent season.
While Grace joined John on the latest series of Celebrity Masterchef, which aired late last year.
Food critic Grace, 51, and chef Anna, 44, pipped Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing to the coveted culinary roles.
Sources said Tom Kerridge was ruled out because his M&S ad commitments clashed with BBC guidelines.
A TV source revealed at the time: “It’s really exciting that two women are judging the show, especially as, historically, it’s been dominated by men, but coming to the decision hasn’t been easy.
“Grace and Anna have brilliant chemistry.
“They know it’s a big responsibility and can’t wait to deliver for the fans