How to watch 'MasterChef: The Professionals' season 18 online from anywhere

MasterChef: The Professionals season 18 on BBC

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Series 18 of "MasterChef: The Professionals" is back on the BBC with a rare schedule shake-up and a refreshed judging line-up. Instead of its usual autumn slot, it’s airing in spring 2026, and "Saturday Kitchen" host Matt Tebbutt is joining Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti on the judging panel.

Here’s how to watch "MasterChef: The Professionals" from anywhere with a VPN — including free options in the U.K. and the easiest ways to stream it abroad.

'MasterChef: The Professionals' S18 release date and time

Season 18 is set to premiere on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 20:00 GMT on BBC One, with episode 2 following on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. New episodes will then air each week at 20:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

U.K. — BBC One (live) and BBC iPlayer (live and on demand)
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The BBC has teased that “standards are reaching new heights every year,” with series 18 bringing together 32 of the UK’s most ambitious chefs.

There’s already plenty of buzz around Matt Tebbutt’s move into a more critical role. Some regular "Saturday Kitchen" viewers are excited to see his trademark warmth on the panel, while others are curious whether he can also deliver the uncompromising attitude expected in a professional kitchen.

The premiere also welcomes back 2016 winner Gary Maclean — the first National Chef of Scotland — who sets the opening challenges, underlining the show’s continued focus on its alumni success stories.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about when "MasterChef: The Professionals" season 18 starts, where it streams, and how to keep watching if you’re travelling outside the U.K..

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Watch 'MasterChef: The Professionals' S18 in the U.K.

In the UK, season 18 will air on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer. You can watch live on iPlayer or catch up on demand shortly after each episode finishes on TV.

You can also watch on phones and tablets using the BBC iPlayer app for iOS or Android.

If you’re outside the UK and iPlayer is blocked, you may still be able to watch on iPlayer with a good VPN while travelling.

Watch 'MasterChef: The Professionals' S18 from anywhere

If you’re outside the UK and BBC iPlayer doesn’t load as usual, a VPN (virtual private network) can help by masking your device’s location so you can still access the same services you use at home.

A VPN makes it look as though your devices are back in your home country — ideal if you’re away on holiday or traveling for work. Our favourite is NordVPN, which we rate as the best on the market in our full NordVPN review.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we mentioned earlier, NordVPN is our top choice.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.S. and want to view a U.K. service, you'd select a U.K. server from the list.

3. Sit back and watch. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch "MasterChef" online.

Watch 'MasterChef: The Professionals' S18 in the U.S.

The U.K. series isn’t currently available on major U.S. streaming platforms such as Hulu or Disney+, which tend to carry the American "MasterChef" shows rather than the U.K. Professionals spin-off.

There’s also a chance season 18 could arrive on BritBox in the U.S. at a later date, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

If you're a Brit traveling to the U.S. and don't want to miss the new season of "MasterChef: The Professionals", don't forget you can still use a VPN like NordVPN to watch via BBC iPlayer.

Watch 'MasterChef: The Professionals' S18 in Canada

Canadian flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

For a local release, Crave and CTV Life are the usual homes for "MasterChef" UK content in Canada, and season 18 is expected to arrive a few months after the UK run wraps up.

Past seasons are also available on Prime Video and Apple TV in Canada, so those are worth checking if you’d rather buy episodes than wait for them to land on a streaming service.

U.K. resident in Canada? Watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN such as NordVPN set to the UK.

Watch 'MasterChef: The Professionals' S18 in Australia

Australian flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

BINGE is the main home for "MasterChef: The Professionals" in Australia and is expected to add season 18 a few months after the UK debut. Foxtel and Foxtel Now also typically carry the show via Foxtel’s channels.

'MasterChef: The Professionals' S18 cast and judges

Season 18’s judging panel features Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti, and Matt Tebbutt, who joins the line-up this year, replacing Gregg Wallace.

The series also kicks off with a familiar face: 2016 winner Gary Maclean appears in the first episode, setting challenges for the opening group of chefs.

'MasterChef: The Professionals' S18 FAQs

Why was the series delayed?

Traditionally an autumn show airing in November and December, Series 18 was pushed back to spring 2026 due to scheduling changes and internal investigations at the BBC. That means there was no "Professionals" series at all in 2025.

Why is Gregg Wallace not in this series?

Gregg Wallace was removed from the "MasterChef" franchise following a BBC investigation that upheld multiple allegations of historical misconduct. The broadcaster has since cut ties with the presenter, and Matt Tebbutt has stepped into his role on the "Professionals" spin-off.

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Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Caroline is a freelance writer and product tester, previously working in roles such as smart home editor across various titles at Future, including Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and TechRadar. As a technology and lifestyle expert, Caroline specializes in smart home tech, appliances, and more. She currently operates out of her cozy Suffolk apartment and is more dedicated than ever to helping people find the best products for their own homes.

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