Irish chef Anna Haugh has just landed a major new job as she is joining the judging panel for MasterChef: The Professionals.
Anna will be joining judges Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace, for the 15th season of BBC One’s hit show, later this year. She will be stepping in to cover for chef Monica Galetti, who announced she was taking a break from her role.
Speaking on the opportunity, Anna said; “MasterChef has an impeccable reputation and legacy within the hospitality industry. I have long admired Monica as an incredible chef and she’s paved the way for female chefs.”
“It’s a privilege to be keeping her seat warm in the MasterChef kitchen.”
Monica announced she was leaving the show after her 14 year stint just last week. Explaining that she wanted to focus on her family and restaurant, Mere by Monica Galetti.
Saying in a statement; “It is with a heavy heart that I’ve made this decision to step back from filming this year’s series of MasterChef: The Professionals. My family need me, my restaurant needs me and trying to balance long filming days over the next three months with all these commitments meant that something had to give.”
“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.”
Ending with; “To my MasterChef family, crew and friends, I’m so sorry that I won’t be with you this year but I hope to be back soon.”
Anna is more than equipped to take on the role having over 20 years of experience and has worked with top chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, along with being head chef at London’s exclusive Myrtle Restaurant.
She has also worked on TV before, being featured on BBC’s Morning Live, Saturday Kitchen, Ready Steady Cook, and Royal Recipes. Along with appearing on Channel 4’s Snackmasters.
The MasterChef team are delighted to have Anna on the show, as executive editor David Ambler explained; “Anna brings a wealth of culinary expertise and experience to the competition, and we’re delighted to welcome her as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals.”