Comic to judge BBC cooking programme

Ed Gamble is to be one of the judges on the next series of BBC Two's cooking challenge show Great British Menu.

The comic, who co-hosts the Off Menu podcast with James Acaster, will join chefs Tom Kerridge and Nisha Katona when the programme returns for its 18th series early next year.

He said: ‘It’s a great honour to be asked to judge on this shining jewel in the BBC’s crown. I’ve been in strict training for the show by eating full meals every hour. Good news: I love food. Bad news: I eat with my mouth open.’

Gamble’s appointment comes as part of a major shake-up of the panel. Oliver Peyton and Matthew Fort will leave the programme as judges after 13 years, as will Rachel Khoo who was a judge in the last series.

Julie Shaw, the BBC’s commissioning editor said: ‘I am very excited that Tom, Nisha and Ed will be joining the next series of Great British Menu. Between them, they bring a huge wealth of knowledge and experience of the UK’s contemporary restaurant and food industry, and we can’t wait for them to get started.

‘I would also like to thank Matthew and Oliver for their incredible contribution to Great British Menu over many years, and Rachel for her role last year. They have been a big part of the show’s success, and we wish them all the best for the future.’

Filming on the next series, again hosted by Andi Oliver, will start this autumn.

Published: 6 Sep 2021