YOUNG MASTERCHEF: JUDGES ANNOUNCED FOR BBC THREE COOKING COMPETITION

BBC Three’s Young MasterChef (w/t) has announced today that Michelin-trained internet cooking sensation Poppy O’Toole and renowned London chef Kerth Gumbs will become judges for the debut series, which is the newest incarnation of the hugely popular MasterChef format.

Poppy and Kerth will join the brand new ten-part series from Shine TV (part of Banijay), which will transmit in 2023.

Presiding over the competition for up-and-coming food talent aged between 18 and 25, the new judges will also be joined by exciting foodie guests throughout the series.

Shine TV’s Executive Editor for MasterChef, David Ambler, says: “We're delighted to welcome Poppy and Kerth to the MasterChef judging family...

"They're both highly skilled chefs who each have unique take on British food today. We know they'll both inspire and be great mentors to the next generation of young MasterChefs to walk through our kitchen's doors."

Fiona Campbell, Controller, BBC Three, says: “It’s brilliant news that we have Poppy and Kerth on board for Young MasterChef on BBC Three...

"Their experience in the industry speaks for itself and we know that they will be great guides for this next generation of culinary talent from across the UK.”

Poppy O’Toole says: “I’m so excited to be judging Young MasterChef and getting to discover the amazing young cooking talent we have in the UK...

"Having worked my way up through the ranks of professional fine dining kitchens to now teaching millions of amateur cooks online, nurturing the next generation with MasterChef feels like a perfect new role. I can’t wait to eat some incredible food along the way – and just hope I can stop after a few forkfuls of the amazing dishes I’m going to see!”

Kerth Gumbs says: “I’m humbled to be joining such a highly esteemed team on MasterChef. Guiding the best upcoming foodies with some very cool cooking challenges is a huge opportunity. I’m buzzing with excitement to get started on what should be an incredible show.”

Applications to take part in Young MasterChef (w/t) are currently open to anyone 25 and under and can be found here.

The series of 10 x 30 is made by Shine TV, part of Banijay UK, in association with Ziji Productions, and the Executive Editor is David Ambler. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Sarah Clay.