BBC viewers were left unimpressed as MasterChef: The Professionals returned for another episode.

Matt Tebbutt made his MasterChef debut as a new judge (Image: BBC)
MasterChef: The Professionals returned to the BBC for a brand-new episode, but fans were left unimpressed by a major change and took to social media with their enraged reactions. Series 18 also marked the show’s post-Gregg Wallace return, following the controversial presenter’s firing and the arrival of Matt Tebbutt, who joined Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti. This wasn’t the only change to the new series, as Wednesday’s (February 11) episode saw the return of former champion Gary Maclean.

In a major shift to the format, each episode will see a former contestant make a comeback to take on the skills test task, which was usually dished out by Marcus and Monica. This meant Gary was watching the professional make the meal from a hidden room, listening in with headphones and critiquing each move. Viewers quickly took to X/Twitter with fury as one said: “What’s the point of the Scotsman listening to Spotify through his headphones and making snide comments every 10 seconds ffs?!!!… #mastercheftheprofessionals.” Another remarked: “This Glaswegian chef is way too fussy. What’s wrong with a munchy box, a deep-fried Mars bar served with a Buckfast jus?”

Gary Maclean arrival left viewers with mixed emotions (Image: BBC)

A third fumed: “Not being funny, but one of the highlights of Masterchef for me is watching @marcuswareing and Monica preparing the skills test! What’s the point of getting an ex-winner to do it?”

While another shared: “Two episodes in and I’m wondering what Matt is actually bringing to the show. He barely speaks during the skills test. Marcus and Monica could comfortably do this on their own.”

Which was also highlighted by a fifth, echoing: “Enjoying the new #mastercheftheprofessionals but not really sure what Matt Tebbutt is bringing to the party.”

Despite this, one viewer praised the newcomer and added: “I never had a problem with Gregg Wallace as a presenter BUT I have to say Matt is a refreshing new addition.”

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Gary took on the skills test before judging the chefs (Image: BBC)

Before judging the professional contestants, Gary took on his own skills test, which consisted of steamed razor clams with Jerusalem artichoke, pickled fennel and a beurre blanc.

After the chefs Haydn, Gemma E, Luke and Sel took on the high-pressure task of recreating the dish in front of Marcus, Monica and Matt, Gary returned to show their next skills test.

For dessert, the Glaswegian tasked them with making a molten chocolate tart, with an oatmeal crumble and a Cranachan cream.

Highlighting the challenge in the task, Gary explained: “As soon as they cut through that tart, I just want to see it ooze out. So quite technical. And Cranachan is a Scottish traditional dessert, raspberries, cream, whisky and honey.