Great British Menu (GBM) has long been a staple of British television, showcasing the talents of chefs from across the UK who compete for a chance to have their dishes served at a prestigious banquet. Over the years, the show has seen several changes to its judging panel, sparking debates among fans. The term “judges sacked” is often thrown around when long-standing panel members leave, but what does this really mean? Is there more to the story than just a simple panel change?
This article will explore the changes that have happened to the Great British Menu judges, the reasons behind their departures, and how these changes have affected the show.
Great British Menu Judges SackedA Look at the Original Judges
When Great British Menu first aired in 2006, the original judging panel included Matthew Fort, a food critic and writer, and Oliver Peyton, a restaurateur with a sharp eye for culinary talent. Over time, they became synonymous with the show, guiding chefs through their most difficult challenges and providing critical feedback on their creations.
The show’s format relied on their extensive knowledge and expertise, and their dynamic, often humorous, interactions with chefs and other judges made the show engaging. However, like any long-running television series, changes were inevitable.
Great British Menu Judges Sacked 2017: The First Major Panel Change
In 2017, after years of serving as the anchor judges, Matthew Fort and Oliver Peyton were replaced by new judges. The departure of these two long-serving judges was seen as a major shake-up for the show, with many fans questioning why such a beloved duo was replaced.
While Peyton had been with the show since its inception, Fort had stepped down after being a key figure for over a decade. The official reason for their departure was attributed to a desire for a fresh perspective and to attract new viewers by changing the chemistry of the panel. Some fans even described it as the judges being “sacked”, even though no major scandals or public reasons were given.
Great British Menu Judges Sacked 2021: The Introduction of New Faces
By 2021, the judging panel once again underwent a significant transformation. The show introduced Tom Kerridge, a Michelin-starred chef, Nisha Katona, a restaurant owner and food writer, and Ed Gamble, a comedian with a passion for food. The shift was welcomed by some and met with resistance by others, with long-time viewers questioning the absence of the original judges.
The official narrative was that the new panel brought a different energy to the show, with Kerridge’s technical expertise, Katona’s charm, and Gamble’s humor creating a dynamic unlike any before it. However, the departure of Fort and Peyton was still fresh in many viewers’ minds, and the transition wasn’t entirely smooth. The public’s attachment to the previous judges led many to feel that they had been unfairly replaced, even if it was just a natural progression for the show.
Great British Menu Judges Sacked 2022: Another Refresh
The year 2022 marked yet another change to the panel, as Ed Gamble exited the show after his two-year stint. The replacement? Phil Wang, another comedian known for his wit and passion for food. Once again, the departure of a judge caused some uproar among fans, with many questioning whether the show was losing its touch.
In contrast to the 2017 transition where viewers saw the removal of the established duo, this change felt more like a shift in comedic style, introducing someone new who could add a fresh flavor to the show. Ed Gamble was seen as a solid judge, but his departure was in line with the show’s tendency to bring in new faces to shake things up.
Great British Menu Judges Sacked Why Do These Changes Feel Like “Sacking”?
The phrase “judges sacked” often emerges when a long-time personality leaves the show, even if the departure is amicable. For fans of the show, the removal of beloved figures like Matthew Fort and Oliver Peyton — who were the foundation of the show’s judging panel — left a void. When these key personalities step away, it can feel like they’ve been forced out or unfairly replaced.
In reality, most of the changes to the panel have been part of a natural progression. The show’s producers often refresh the format to keep it current and appealing to a broader audience. The departure of long-term judges is often more about maintaining the show’s longevity than any sort of scandal or controversy.
Additionally, the transition to younger, more diverse judges is part of a broader trend in TV production — where shows are seeking to appeal to newer, younger demographics. Bringing in figures like Phil Wang and Nisha Katona helps the show connect with a wider audience and bring in fresh perspectives.
Great British Menu Judges Sacked What Does This Mean for the Show’s Future?
Despite the changes, Great British Menu has maintained its popularity, and the show continues to be a favorite among food enthusiasts. The constant evolution of the judging panel seems to be a necessary part of the show’s strategy to keep things fresh.
With the 2023-2025 seasons featuring more new faces and returning guest judges, the future of the show looks bright. The rotating panel allows for more dynamic interactions and brings new ideas to the table, ensuring the competition remains relevant in an ever-changing television landscape.
Great British Menu Judges Sacked A Changing Landscape in TV Cookery Shows
The changes in the panel of Great British Menu reflect broader trends in the world of TV cooking shows. Shows like MasterChef UK, Bake Off, and others have all had to adapt to the changing tastes of viewers. This often involves introducing fresh faces, different judging styles, and varied personalities to cater to the evolving expectations of the audience.
In the case of Great British Menu, the departure of established judges is a part of that natural change, ensuring the show stays engaging and continues to attract viewers.
Conclusion: Panel Changes Are Natural, Not “Sacking”
The idea that Great British Menu judges were sacked is largely a misconception. While some judges have indeed been replaced over the years, these changes are typically part of natural evolution, rather than scandalous firings. The BBC and the producers of the show have simply made creative decisions to refresh the format, diversify the judging panel, and keep the competition engaging for a new generation of viewers.
Fans of Great British Menu will likely continue to see panel changes as the show evolves, but these transitions are driven by a desire to keep the competition fresh and dynamic — not by any issues of misconduct or controversy. With a rich history of culinary talent and a fanbase eager for new formats, the show’s future remains bright, regardless of who sits at the judging table.
If you’d like a more detailed breakdown of the judges’ careers or specific quotes from each season, feel free to ask!
