The BBC and MasterChef producer, Shine TV have agreed a multi-series deal, which sees the production move out of London and a commitment to MasterChef titles on the BBC for six years.
As part of the BBC’s Across the UK plans, all MasterChef series will be made at the brand-new Digbeth Loc. Studios complex in the Digbeth area of Birmingham from 2024 - which includes: BBC One’s MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Celebrity MasterChef and the recently announced Young MasterChef (WT) for BBC Three, as well as any festive editions.
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, says: “We said we would create jobs and investment, bringing decision-making and productions to the West Midlands as part of our Across the UK plans. Moving one of our biggest programme brands shows we are making that a reality. This is great news for Birmingham and the BBC.”
Kate Phillips, Director of BBC Entertainment, says: “MasterChef is one of the BBC’s biggest Entertainment shows and today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to the brand and the city of Birmingham. It’s an exciting new chapter and its move to one of the UK’s youngest and most diverse cities will provide many opportunities in the area to support an already thriving production sector.”
MasterChef has consistently been the BBC’s highest rating cookery format over the past five years and the latest series had its highest rating launch since 2017. Celebrity MasterChef is the BBC’s second highest rating cookery show after MasterChef, while the most recent series of MasterChef: The Professionals saw a record-breaking performance.
Lucinda Hicks, CEO Banijay UK says: “We are delighted to be taking our incredible production to Birmingham. Not only is it one of the most creatively exciting and culinary diverse regions in country, but it is also on the cusp of being a major TV production centre again. Having a multi-series, returning show like MasterChef made in the Midlands will provide a multitude of local roles, training and development opportunities, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the TV industry of the future.”
Jon Swain, Managing Director, Shine TV says: “MasterChef is a phenomenal brand which just goes from strength to strength - testament to the production team led by David Ambler and Katie Attwood who continue to create a series that is so loved by viewers. Birmingham is a fantastic city with a great food scene. Moving production to the heart of one of the country’s youngest and most diverse cities, will allow us to further invigorate the programmes and showcase even more exciting new culinary stars from every corner of the UK.”
Previous episodes of Masterchef are available to view on BBC iPlayer.