Phil Wang has taken over as a judge on the 21st series of Great British Menu, joining established chefs Tom Kerridge and Lorna McNee on the BBC Two cooking competition. Andi Oliver will return as host, continuing her role from the previous series. Wang’s appointment marks a significant shift in the show’s dynamic, as he becomes the first comedian to take on the judging role in the series’ history.

Phil Wang’s Background and New Role

Phil Wang is a well-known comedian and presenter, best known for his BBC Radio 4 show Daphne Sounds Expensive and his Netflix stand-up specials. He has also appeared on popular panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Taskmaster, and Have I Got News For You. This marks his first major TV presenting role, though he has previously spoken about his passion for food on comedian Ed Gamble’s podcast Off Menu.

Wang’s casting was announced in December, and the reaction from fans was mixed. Some praised the move, with one Instagram user commenting, “Love this. Will miss Ed but like Phil too. Can’t wait.” Others were more skeptical, with one viewer on X stating, “No offence to Phil Wang, but he just doesn’t have the personality of Ed Gamble. The latter transformed the judges’ chamber and made it so much more watchable. This is almost painful to watch.”

Despite the mixed response, Wang expressed enthusiasm about his new role. “I’m so excited to be the new judge on Great British Menu,” he said. “I’ve been an avid food-lover all my life, and I’m thrilled about this opportunity to taste food from the most creative and skilled chefs in the country. Can’t wait to put decades of practice to work and put my mouth where my mouth is.”

Ed Gamble’s Exit from the Show

Ed Gamble, who served as a judge on the show for several years, has stepped down. While he has not officially stated the reason for his departure, it is believed to be due to scheduling conflicts. Gamble currently hosts The Traitors and its spin-off The Celebrity Traitors, as well as the popular podcast Uncloaked. He also co-hosts Off Menu with James Acaster, which features celebrity guests discussing their favorite foods.

Gamble expressed his support for Wang in a statement, saying, “I can think of no better person to pass the golden spoon to than my dear friend and frequent dining companion Phil Wang. He is hilarious, great company and crucially, matches my appetite more than anyone else I’ve met. I’ll miss everyone on the team but I know they’ll forget about me as soon as they start chomping with the Wang.”

Gamble’s exit has sparked discussions among fans, with many wondering how the show’s dynamic will change without his presence. Some viewers were also surprised by the lack of advertising for the new series, with one person on Reddit commenting, “Is this a NEW series of #GreatBritishMenu ?? Never seen one advert for it!” Others noted that the series was not heavily , despite the usual January or February air date.

Changes in Scheduling and Viewer Reaction

The 21st series of Great British Menu will air on BBC Two at 7pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This time slot is notable because it coincides with the airing of MasterChef: The Professionals on BBC One, allowing viewers to watch both shows without a conflict. However, some fans were puzzled by the scheduling, with one viewer suggesting that the delay might be due to the Winter Olympics taking up the usual slot.

The reaction to the new series has been varied, with some viewers expressing disappointment over the lack of promotion, while others are excited to see the show return. One fan wrote, “Glad to see #GreatBritishMenu is back, discovered it by accident though as I didn’t see any ads for this new series.”

As the new series begins, the focus will be on how Wang’s comedic presence will influence the judging panel. While some viewers remain skeptical, others are eager to see how the show evolves with his addition. The BBC has not yet commented on the scheduling decisions or the lack of advertising, but the show’s return is expected to draw a large audience, given its long-running popularity.

With the 21st series of Great British Menu now underway, fans are watching closely to see how Phil Wang’s role as a judge will shape the show’s future. Whether he will bring a fresh perspective or face criticism for not living up to the legacy of Ed Gamble remains to be seen. However, the show’s continued success will likely depend on how well the new dynamic resonates with its audience.