Global phenomenon MasterChef is set for a stellar 20th series on BBC One launching on April 1st on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

MasterChef judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace embark on an exhilarating journey across eight weeks, to discover the UK’s best amateur cook, one plate at a time, serving up surprises and extra special occasions along the way.

This will include:

• Highest ever number of returning alumni including an incredible event celebrating MasterChef’s legacy, with the Semi Finalists serving 15 former MasterChef Champions and royalty of the UK’s restaurant scene.

• Finalists’ Chef’s Table challenge is hosted at the globally-revered Le Gavroche – and sees them prepare one of the last services of the country’s most iconic and trailblazing restaurants before the close doors for the last time.

• An extraordinary trip to the culinary melting-pot of Singapore for a trio of challenges – from a vibrant market task to cooking at a leading hotel.

The series marks 20 years* of celebrating and supporting the country’s burgeoning culinary talent, MasterChef judge John Torode says: “I can hardly believe that we are into the 20th series of this unbelievably brilliant show. It’s such a point of pride and celebration.

“I believe food brings people together and every year we’re fortunate enough to be able to help incredibly talented, hard-working people realise their dream and indulge themselves in the joy that is MasterChef.

“This year is so exciting, with tough tests, incredible challenges and passionate cooks – as always. Twenty years on, MasterChef continues to show if you have a dream, just go for it! The competition gets stronger and more exciting every year. Thanks for watching me and Mr Wallace. I hope you enjoy watching this 20th series as much as we’ve enjoyed making it. Maybe it could be you next year… don’t be shy, apply!”

MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace continues: “This is when the wave of ambition hits the rock of reality for these amateur cooks – and we are putting them through the most extraordinary challenges we’ve ever seen. This show means business and we’re so lucky to be able to see the level of cooking inch higher and higher each year.

“John and I are so happy to be part of a wonderful MasterChef community and, each series, welcome new ambitious cooks to show us what they can do. 2024 will be a celebration of the talent emerging from the country’s home kitchens – this year and from our time on MasterChef so far – I cannot wait.”

Fifty-eight passionate and talented hopefuls start the competition from all walks of life, such as a farmer, archaeologist and musical director. With contestants hailing from across the UK – from Dorset to Sunderland, the Scottish Borders and North Wales, and bringing their food and cultural heritage to the table, the judges can expect a diverse explosion of flavours.

The judges will set some brand-new challenges, along with old favourites, in order for the best contestants to progress in the competition. Each week for four Heat Weeks, two groups of six home cooks arrive walk through the kitchen doors, ready to make their mark on the judges.

First the amateurs must earn the right to wear a MasterChef apron in two new challenges: Basic to Brilliant, taking an everyday ingredient and turning it into something truly spectacular; and an Invention Test with a twist as they Think on their Feet to create an outstanding plate of food based around a set element such as gnocchi, trout, meringue, or quail. The last four standing will then show off their own style in two courses served to three familiar faces from MasterChef series past – who understand the pressures, but also know what it takes to get to The Final. That Quarter Final brief is then set by some of country’s toughest critics and chefs – to deliver food greatness based on anything from the perfect pie to an exquisite school dinner-inspired dish.

The fifth week will be a celebration of MasterChef talent with a twist as contestants head towards the sharp end of the competition. After five weeks of fierce cook-offs for the cream rise to the top, MasterChef enters its sixth week with contestants whittled down to just 16 for Knockout Week. The culinary tasks include a Market Invention Test in the MasterChef kitchen; the opportunity to step inside a professional kitchen for the first time and deliver a lunch service at two of London’s top restaurants – Nessa, led by Executive Chef Tom Cenci, and Joia, under Head Chef Jose Jara – getting the rare insight into how these prominent chefs and their teams work as well needing to keep up their standards; and back in the MasterChef kitchen, attention to detail and keeping calm under pressure will be key to creating nine identical portions of a single canapé.

Semi Finalists will need to rise to some incredible challenges including: catering a extraordinary event celebrating MasterChef’s legacy and emerging talent, as well its wider influence on the UK’s culinary food scene; tackling an ingredient they didn’t enjoy as a child; creating a theatrical and surprising dish; pulling out all the stops to impress Michelin-starred Swedish chef, Niklas Ekstedt, renowned as the world’s leading open fire chef and cooking at Nomadic Dinners, a woodland restaurant without walls; and finally creating a plate of food inspired by a past contestant to celebrate an amazing cook that has walked through the MasterChef doors over the last 20 years – amateur, professional or celebrity.

The four strongest, most creative and determined contenders step up to the Final Week – which holds in store an array of demanding and eye-opening cooking challenges and discoveries. Travelling to the culinary melting pot of Singapore – one of Asia’s food hotspots – the contestants immerse themselves with a trio of exciting challenges at Chong Pang Hawker Market, Pangium – led by Michelin-starred chef Malcolm Lee – and cooking for an exclusive guest list of the top chefs in Singapore, including MasterChef Singapore judge Damian D’Silva at The Fullerton Bay Hotel. The four are then back in London with unique, and never to be repeated, dream job of taking on Chef’s Table at globally-revered Le Gavroche. The amateur cooks will deliver one of the last services of the country’s most iconic and trailblazing restaurants before the close doors for the last time – under the watchful eye of world-leading chef and past MasterChef: The Professionals judge, Michel Roux Jr. Finally, with one headed home it’s back to the studio where the Final Three must produce the best three dishes of their lives for John and Gregg – as only one of them can lift the trophy and become the 20th MasterChef Champion.

*Since it launched in 2005 as a revamped version of the original 1990 – 2001 series, hosted by Loyd Grossman.