MasterChef: The Professionals trailer reveals first look at Monica Galetti’s replacement – who promises to be ‘firm but fair’-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro

Masterchef: The Professionals is back for another epic series and fans will chef see Anna Haugh taking the reins from former judge Monica Galetti.

Culinary experts Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace will be putting the pros through their paces as they create dishes to an exquisite standard.

However, viewers won’t be seeing the return of Samoa-born chef Monica, as she confirmed her departure from the BBC series back in April.

The 47-year-old has been a staple on the programme since 2009, taking a hiatus to focus on the restaurant she runs with her husband David Galetti and to spend more time with her family.

‘My family need me, my restaurant needs me and trying to balance long filming days over the next three months with all my commitments meant that something had to give,’ she penned in an Instagram post.

‘So, for the moment, my focus has to be 100% about my loved ones and rebuilding my kitchen team who have had a battering over the last few months especially.  Those in the hospitality industry know just how tough it is at the moment.’

Monica Galetti left the hit cooking series in April this year (Picture: BBC)

Anna will be joining Gregg Wallace and Marcus Wareing on MasterChef: The Professionals (Picture: PA)

In the same month as Monica’s exit, it was announced that Irish restaurateur Anna, 41, will be stepping in as her replacement.

Speaking about her new position, she said: ‘I’m thrilled to join the MasterChef judging team and meet new chefs on new adventures.

‘I’ll be judging the same way I judge my own chefs in my kitchen – I’ll be firm but fair and my expectations are high. I cannot wait to see what this year’s competition is going to bring.’

Over the course of six weeks, the contestants will be pulling out the stops in the Heat rounds with a place in the quarter final at stake.

Masterchef: The Professionals returns next month (Picture: BBC)

And if that wasn’t enough, the stars must work to get a thumbs up from the UK’s toughest food critics, which include: Grace Dent, Jay Rayner, Jimi Famurewa, Leyla Kazim, Tom Parker Bowles, Tracey MacLeod, and William Sitwell.

‘What a thrill to get these kitchen doors open again and welcome a new generation of professional contenders,’ said Masterchef frontman Gregg.

‘I’m ready to be dazzled and ultimately reveal the next incredible cooking talent.’

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While celebrity chef Marcus added: ‘The hunt for the 2022 champion is on and we’re ready to push these chefs as far as they can go.

‘The sky’s the limit as far as I’m concerned and that trophy is just waiting to be claimed.’

Masterchef: The Professionals back on BBC One on Wednesday November 2.

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