'MasterChef' leaves London for Birmingham in new deal up to 2028

MasterChef is making the move out of London for the first time in more than 20 years, with a new home in Birmingham and series confirmed up to 2028.

The flagship BBC cooking contest is one of the broadcaster's best performing shows and has been chosen to relocate to the West Midlands as part of a six-year Across the UK strategy, which has pledged to expand the corporation's programming and opportunities outside of the capital.

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All MasterChef series will be made at the brand new Digbeth Loc. Studios complex in the Digbeth area of Birmingham from 2024, a centre set up by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

The MasterChef stable includes BBC One’s MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Celebrity MasterChef and the recently announced Young MasterChef for BBC Three, as well as Christmas specials all made by production company Shine TV.

Also announced as part of the deal is a commitment to keep MasterChef on screens for another six years, up until 2028 at least.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: "We said we would create jobs and investment, bringing decision-making and productions to the West Midlands as part of our Across the UK plans. Moving one of our biggest programme brands shows we are making that a reality. This is great news for Birmingham and the BBC."

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The cooking contest, currently hosted by John Torode and Gregg Wallace, was based in Kent from 1990 to 2001 before moving to London and has filmed in East London since 2014.

Knight, whose hit gangland period drama Peaky Blinders is set in Birmingham, said: "I am genuinely thrilled that MasterChef is coming to Birmingham and honoured that Shine TV has chosen to locate such an iconic production at Digbeth Loc.

"We will work hard to ensure that this internationally renowned TV institution instantly feels at home in our creative environment, and we look forward to welcoming many more blue chip brands into our rapidly expanding media neighbourhood."

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