BBC and Shine Tv will move “MasterChef” production to Birmingham

The BBC and “MasterChef” producer, Shine TV, (part of Banijay UK), have agreed a multi-series deal, which sees the production of the show move out of London for the first time since 2001, and a commitment to “MasterChef” titles on the BBC for six years.

As part of the BBC’s Across the UK plans, all “MasterChef” series will be made at the brand-new Digbeth Loc. Studios complex in the Digbeth area of Birmingham from 2024. This includes: BBC One’s “MasterChef,” “MasterChef: The Professionals,” “Celebrity MasterChef,” and the recently announced “Young MasterChef” (working title) for BBC Three, as well as any festive editions.

“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,”  commented Tim Davie, BBC Director-General.

Kate Phillips, Director of BBC Entertainment, added: “‘MasterChef’ is one of the BBC’s biggest Entertainment shows and today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to the brand and the city of Birmingham. It is an exciting new chapter and its move to one of the UK’s youngest and most diverse cities will provide many opportunities in the area to support an already thriving production sector”.

Lastly, Jon Swain, Managing Director at Shine TV, said: “‘MasterChef’ is a phenomenal brand which just goes from strength to strength - testament to the production team led by David Ambler and Katie Attwood who continue to create a series that is so loved by viewers. Birmingham is a fantastic city with a great food scene. Moving production to the heart of one of the country’s youngest and most diverse cities, will allow us to further invigorate the programmes and showcase even more exciting new culinary stars from every corner of the UK”.

“MasterChef” has consistently been the BBC’s highest rating cookery format over the past five years and the latest series had its highest rating launch since 2017. “Celebrity MasterChef” is the BBC’s second highest rating cookery show after “MasterChef,” while the most recent series of “MasterChef: The Professionals” (which moved from BBC Two to BBC One in 2020), saw a record-breaking performance.