MasterChef (UK TV series)
| MasterChef | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also known as | MasterChef Goes Large (2005–2007, original title) |
| Genre | Cooking |
| Created by | Franc Roddam |
| Presented by |
Original series: Loyd Grossman (Series 1–10) Gary Rhodes (Series 11) |
| Judges |
Revived series: Gregg Wallace John Torode |
| Narrated by | India Fisher (2005–present) |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of series |
MasterChef: 11 (original) 12 (revived) Celebrity MasterChef: 11 (aired to date) |
| No. of episodes |
MasterChef: 146 (original series, inc. specials) 278 (revived series, at the end of series 10) Celebrity MasterChef: 211 (end of series 10) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Franc Roddam |
| Producer(s) | Karen Ross David Ambler |
| Location(s) |
Original series: The Maidstone Studios, Kent Revived series: 15 Bastwick Street Islington, North London (2005–2011) Ram Brewery, Wandsworth (2011–2014) |
| Running time | 30–90 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Union Pictures(1990–2000) Union/West 175 (2001) Shine TV (2005–present) |
| Distributor | Ziji Productions |
| Release | |
| Original network |
BBC One (1990–2000, 2009–) BBC Two (2001, 2005–2008 and Celebrity MasterChef 2012) |
| Picture format |
4:3 (1990–2001) 16:9 (2005–present) |
| Original release |
Original series: 2 July 1990 – 3 July 2001 (11 years, 1 day) Revived series: 21 February 2005 – present (12 years, 60 days) |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | Britain's Best Bakery |
| External links | |
| Website | |
| Production website | |
MasterChef is a BBC television competitive cooking show. It initially ran from 1990 to 2001 and was later revived in a different format known as MasterChef Goes Large from 2005 onwards. In 2008, the "Goes Large" part of the name was dropped, but the format remains identical. The revamped format was devised by Franc Roddam and John Silver with Karen Ross producing.
The series now appears in four versions: the main MasterChef series, MasterChef: The Professionals for working chefs, Celebrity MasterChef and Junior MasterChef for 9-to-12-year-olds. The format has been reproduced around the world in a large number of international versions.
In the original series, three amateur cooks took part in each episode, with nine heats leading up to three semifinals and a final, in which they competed for the title of MasterChef. Their task was to cook a gourmet three-course meal in under two hours. Contestants could cook whatever they liked, although there was a price limit on ingredients. "Everyday" ingredients and equipment were provided for them, in addition to which they could bring in up to five "specialist" ingredients or utensils.
The first incarnation of the series was presented by Loyd Grossman, who was joined each week by two guest judges, one a professional chef, the other a celebrity. Grossman and the guest judges discussed the menus, wandered around talking to the contestants and finally ate and judged the food. Originally, the judges' "cogitations" took place off-camera, though later on, edited highlights of the discussions were added between the tasting and the announcement of the winner.
In 1998, Grossman decided to take a one-series sabbatical. He returned to present the 1999 series, but left the programme in 2000.
In 2001, the series underwent a makeover. It was moved from its traditional Sunday afternoon slot on BBC One to a new weeknight slot on BBC Two. The "celebrity" judge was dropped and chef Gary Rhodes took over as presenter. This new version of the series asked contestants to cook two courses in just 90 minutes. It lasted just one series and was much criticised – notably by former host Grossman.
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