viewers when they tuned in for series 18, as the show has a new format.
The cooking programme returned to BBC this week with a new line-up of budding chefs, all hoping to tickle the tastebuds of the judges and proceed to the next round.
But, there was a surprise in store for both the contestants and audiences at home, as judges Greg Wallace and John Torode revealed they would be switching things up for 2022.
What is new about MasterChef 2022?
We all know and love MasterChef in its original form, but a new series means a new round.
As per, 45 home cooks from across the UK will showcase their culinary skills in a bid to impress the judges.
To begin with, they’ll compete in five heats of nine and be tasked with cooking several dishes.
In episode one, however, it was revealed that there would be an audition round, with three chefs being awarded the highly-coveted aprons after presenting their first dishes, followed by another four at a later stage.
Two will be sent home early, as the others secure places in the main competition.
The chef’s signature dishes should show the judges who they are as people while, of course, tasting good.
Episode 4 will see the return of the audition round as the second heat commences.
Another twist is that, for the first time since the show launched in 2005, the chefs aren’t watched as they make their signature dish.
Instead, it will be tasted in the brand new MasterChef tasting room.
While the new format was welcomed by some viewers, some found it strange and questioned whether the tweaks were necessary.
It has also been compared to the Australian version of the cooking show, which also includes an audition round.
How to watch MasterChef
MasterChef is back and better than ever, and you can catch all the action on BBC One and iPlayer.
Seasons 12-17 are available to binge on BBC iPlayer, along with MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef, while the next instalment airs on BBC One tonight at 8pm.
