Wareing, who was awarded his first Michelin star at the age of 25, has a long-running relationship with the show, having appeared on both the professional and amateur series as a guest judge, mentor and diner.
“I have been watching MasterChef since I was a young kid at catering college and in more recent years I have enjoyed an established relationship with the programme," he said. "To now become part of the show is hugely exciting for me; to be asked is a true honour. Michel has left big shoes to fill and I am delighted to be working with Monica and Gregg on a new journey of discovery to find the next generation of Michelin-starred chefs.”
His appointment will be a relief to the show's producer, Shine Soho, which was left without a third judge for the series after Michel Roux Jr quit in March following a disagreement with the BBC.
Karen Ross, creative director at Shine Soho, said: “We are delighted that he is taking up the baton of judge with us – his experience of coming from humble beginnings in the North of England and making his way into the country’s best kitchens, to then rise to be awarded two Michelin stars is extremely inspiring and will speak to the young Chefs who hope to follow in his footsteps.”
Talented chef
Wareing holds two Michelin-stars for his restaurant at The Berkeley hotel, Marcus, and has won critical acclaim for his second venture, The Gilbert Scott at London’s St Pancras. He is due to open his third restaurant, Tredwell’s, on Upper St Martin’s Lane, Seven Dials, in September.
The chef has also worked at Albert and Michel Roux’s restaurant Le Gavroche, The Grand in Amsterdam, The Point in New York, Aubergine, Guy Savoy in Paris and L’Oranger and Pétrus.
He will join existing Masterchef: The Professionals judges Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace on the show.
Galetti said: “Marcus is an incredibly talented chef and I can think of no better person to follow in Michel’s footsteps. I’m really looking forward to filming with him.”
Wallace added: “One of the outstanding chefs of my era - I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with Marcus. He has complete and utter respect throughout the industry. My only query is will he have a beard or not!”