Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about the new season of the British professional cooking competition MasterChef: The Professionals:
How to watch MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 in the US on BBC iPlayer
To watch MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 in the US, use a reliable VPN and connect to a UK server so BBC iPlayer thinks you are watching from within the country. Once connected, sign in to BBC iPlayer with a valid UK TV licence and stream the episodes online as normal.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server.
- Open BBC iPlayer website, then login or sign up for a new account. A UK postal code is required when creating a new account, and you can use a UK postcode generator if needed.
- You are all set to watch MasterChef: The Professionals Season 18!
MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 Synopsis
MasterChef: The Professionals Series 18 is a new season of the professional cooking competition that focuses on 32 working chefs competing through intense heats, quarter-finals, and high-pressure challenges to win one of the most respected titles in the culinary world. This season raises the bar once again as chefs are tested on technical precision, creativity, leadership, and consistency under real restaurant-level expectations. With industry legends judging every plate, Series 18 is designed to identify not just great cooks, but complete professional chefs capable of excellence at the highest level.
When Does MasterChef: The Professionals Series 18 Premiere?
MasterChef: The Professionals Series 18 premieres on February 10, 2026, airing on BBC One. The season begins with the opening heats, where the first group of chefs enters the MasterChef kitchen to fight for a place in the next round.
Who Is Hosting MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 is judged by Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti, and Matt Tebbutt. The judging panel brings together classical fine-dining expertise, modern British cooking, and practical industry insight, ensuring each challenge is assessed to true professional standards.
MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 Episodes
Here’s the episode guide:
- Episode 1 – Premiere date: February 10, 2026
The first four chefs face demanding skills tests as they attempt to impress the judges and earn a place in the competition. - Episode 2 – Premiere date: February 11, 2026
A new group of chefs takes on technical seafood and dessert challenges that test precision and balance. - Episode 3 – Premiere date: February 15, 2026
The quarter-finals begin with an invention test built around a familiar but unforgiving core ingredient. - Episode 4 – Premiere date: February 17, 2026
Chefs face a Korean-inspired skills test set by a former finalist, pushing technique and flavour knowledge. - Episode 5 – Premiere date: February 18, 2026
Recreation challenges demand accuracy as contestants reproduce complex dishes under strict conditions. - Episode 6 – Premiere date: February 20, 2026
The remaining chefs cook for top restaurant critics, creating dishes designed to stand up to real-world scrutiny.
MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 Contestants List
Emma is a Chef de Cuisine based in Edinburgh and originally from Christchurch, New Zealand. She has worked in many different kitchens around the world, including France, Australia, and the UK. Her cooking is simple and seasonal, shaped by her family background and a strong respect for local ingredients.
Ismail is a Head Chef living in West London and originally from Bangladesh. He started his career as a kitchen porter and slowly worked his way up through hard work and learning on the job. His food is inspired by his background and focuses on strong flavours, simple techniques, and careful cooking.
Mario is a Private Chef and Head Chef based in London, originally from Seville, Spain. He learned to cook by working in restaurants rather than going to culinary school. His style is relaxed and seasonal, with a love for cooking over fire and mixing Spanish flavours with ideas picked up in London kitchens.
Terry is a self-taught Head Chef living in York and originally from the Wirral. He gained experience by working in different kitchens and learning through practice. His cooking is based on classic dishes with a modern twist, using bold flavours and creative ideas.
Is MasterChef: The Professionals UK Series Suitable for All Ages?
The series is generally suitable for older children and adults, with a focus on professional kitchen environments, competitive pressure, and real-world culinary critique. While there is no explicit content, younger viewers may find the pace and technical detail less engaging.
On What Devices Can You Watch BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer supports a wide range of devices, allowing flexible viewing at home or on the go.
| Device Category | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Smart TVs | Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic |
| Streaming Devices | Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV |
| Mobile Devices | iOS phones and tablets, Android phones and tablets |
| Computers | Windows PCs, Mac computers via web browsers |
| Games Consoles | PlayStation, Xbox |
FAQs
Who produces MasterChef: The Professionals Series 18?
The series is produced by Shine TV in collaboration with Ziji Productions.
Is MasterChef: The Professionals filmed in front of a live audience?
No. The series is filmed in a closed studio kitchen environment to maintain focus, fairness, and controlled judging conditions.
How many chefs compete in MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
A total of 32 professional chefs compete in Series 18.
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