Overview
- Series 20 premiered on 17 November at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer, with 15 episodes scheduled across five weeks.
- John Torode appears in the broadcast because the season was recorded earlier this year, though he has been dropped from future BBC roles.
- Producers Banijay UK and the BBC say all celebrities and guests were consulted and agreed the shows should air.
- Grace Dent made her debut as judge, with the BBC confirming she will co-present the upcoming amateur MasterChef with Anna Haugh.
- Coverage highlighted viewer bemusement at Torode’s presence, a refreshed format with a blindfolded palate test and street‑food challenge, and a cast including Alfie Boe, Alun Wyn Jones, Ginger Johnson and others.