Second HELPING!

MONICA GALETTI on rejoining MARCUS WAREING and GREGG WALLACE for the new run of TV's toughest cookery contest

MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS
MONDAY, 9PM, & TUESDAY &
THURSDAY, 8PM, BBC1 COOKERY

There’s a familiar face in the kitchen when MasterChef: The Professionals returns for a 16th outing this week as fan favourite Monica Galetti resumes judging duties after a year’s absence.

‘It’s wonderful to be back with my good friends,’ smiles the American Samoa-born New Zealand star, who, after 13 seasons on the BBC1 culinary competition, took a break to focus on her family and London restaurant Mere, with Morning Live’s Anna Haugh stepping in to cover her role. ‘I can’t wait to find the next big talent. It feels like coming home!’

Monica rejoins Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing and MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace to put a fresh batch of 32 hopefuls through their paces in a series of challenges, including serving up a feast for industry legends in tricky finals-week mainstay the Chef’s Table.

TV Times reserved an appointment with Monica, 48, and Marcus, 53, to find out what’s on the menu…

Welcome back, Monica! Has anything changed while you’ve been away?

MONICA Marcus’ hair has gotten much greyer! But you get that after a year working with Gregg…

MARCUS True!

Monica, you made a guest appearance at the Chef’s Table round last year. Did you watch the whole series?