BBC announces 20th series of Great British Menu, with acclaimed Scottish chef Lorna McNee on the judging panel

Great British Menu returns to BBC Two and iPlayer in 2025 for its historic 20th series, with a fresh face joining the judging panel. Lorna McNee, former Great British Menu Champion and one of Britain’s most acclaimed and decorated chefs, will join Tom Kerridge and Ed Gamble in their search for the next best in British cuisine. Fans of the show can expect an exciting series full of creative fare celebrating both well-known historical figures and unsung heroes of Britain’s past.

With this season’s theme ‘Great Britons’, the chefs are inspired by the choice of important people, from ancient to modern history, who come from their region. Each episode will also feature a guest judge, with strong ties to the region or country being judged, who will help determine the winning chef. In Scotland, the guest judge is Ben Thomas, an RNLI volunteer and firefighter who won ‘Special Recognition’ at the 2024 Pride of Scotland awards.

As current chef director of Glasgow’s Michelin-starred restaurant Cail Bruich, Lorna McNee’s journey is particularly inspiring considering only eight percent of Britain’s top chefs are women. Hailing from the small town of Forres in Moray, McNee’s success as Scotland’s only Michelin-starred female chef is a testament to her exceptional skills. Lorna’s arrival on the panel promises to bring a new perspective and inspiration, with her success story resonating with chefs and viewers alike.

Taking over from Nisha Katona, who is leaving the show after serving as a judge for three years, Lorna says: “I have absolutely loved the time I have been lucky enough to spend on Great British Menu. It is with deepest heart I pass on this most wonderful bat. I will miss my wonderful brother judges and the fantastic crew terribly. I loved every moment I was lucky enough to spend with them.

Speaking about her new role, McNee said: “Winning the Great British Menu in 2018 made a huge difference to my career as a chef and was partly behind me becoming Chef Director at Cail Bruich, so I know how much the competition means for British cuisine.” chefs. Being invited to be part of the judging panel this year was a total surprise, but a delight, and I love the opportunity to help choose this year’s banquet finalists. I felt very welcome. and I also meet some wonderful guest judges every week – all of whom have been invited to help us choose the dishes that represent their region, in keeping with this year’s theme: UK Heroes.”

Andi Oliver, who has been on the show as host and mentor since 2017, is looking forward to the new chapter as McNee joins the team. She said: “It has been an honor and continues to be a great privilege to mentor Britain’s top chefs as they take part in the Great British Menu, and it is incredible to think that the series has now been in existence for 20 years. The competition aims to provide a platform for new chef talent from across Britain, and we hope to continue to do so for many years to come. In fact, it’s great to see a former winner of our competition, Scotland’s formidable Lorna McNee, joining us. The audience is spoiled! The chefs have come up with incredible ideas for this year’s theme.

Tom Kerridge, Michelin Star Chef and Head Judge, also expressed his excitement about working with McNee: “As a fellow chef, I am very pleased to see a recent champion of champions and a leading chef of the Great British Menu joins me and Ed in the judging. Her experience and wealth of knowledge will give the judging enormous appeal, and will undoubtedly give the competing chefs another butterfly in the stomach.”

Sarah Eglin, executive producer at Optomen, said: “We’re thrilled to celebrate the return of BBC Two’s most popular and longest-running cooking series, especially this year. The show has over the years become a platform for showcasing the immense culinary talent from across Britain, and this landmark 20th series will be no exception. With Lorna McNee joining Tom Kerridge and Ed Gamble on the judging panel, we are excited to bring a fresh dynamic to the competition. Lorna’s journey is both inspiring and emblematic of what the show is all about: celebrating diversity, excellence and the incredible stories behind Britain’s chefs. We would also like to thank Nisha for her exceptional time on the program and wish her the best for the future.”

The new series has been commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment & Events and the Commissioning Editor is Julie Shaw. The film will air on BBC Two and iPlayer in early 2025. Great British Menu is filmed in the Midlands by Optomen.

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