Tom Kerridge, Nisha Katona and Ed Gamble announced as new Great British Menu judges

The BBC’s Great British Menu competition has confirmed a new judging panel for its next series: chef Tom Kerridge, Mowgli restaurateur Nisha Katona, and comedian and host of the Off Menu podcast, Ed Gamble.

Great British Menu will begin filming for the 13th series this autumn before returning to BBC Two in early 2022. The new judges will join host Andi Oliver to judge heats across the UK, replacing Oliver Peyton and Matthew Fort, who will leave the programme as judges after 13 years, as will Rachel Khoo, who judged in series 12.

The new season, in the year of the BBC’s centenary, will celebrate British creativity through 100 years of television broadcasting.

Kerridge, who owns the two-Michelin-starred Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, said: “I am so thrilled to be judging Great British Menu, it holds such a special place in my heart having cooked at the banquet twice. I’ve been through it, I know the pressure, the highs and the lows, which is what makes it such a brilliant competition and a great show. I can’t wait to meet the chefs and see some of the UK’s finest talent shine."

Katona said: “What an absolutely delicious privilege it is to make the ranks of judge on the Great British Menu! As a chef with restaurants across the country I have always been so invested in the sublime skills of our culinary regions. Their virtuosity and artistry has always blown me away and to join the happy GBM tribe is nothing less than a dream come true. Pass me a fork!”

Gamble 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.”

Julie Shaw, commissioning editor for Great British Menu, added: “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.”