Phil Wang is joining the judging panel of BBC Two’s Great British Menu, replacing Ed Gamble. The cookery competition for the very best professional chefs has been filming the latest series in Stratford upon Avon and will return to screens in February 2026.
He was a guest judge for series 16 - Science & Invention.
Phil is an enthusiastic eater with a talent for describing what he’s eating. He’s joining lead Judge, Tom Kerridge, the 2 Michelin starred chef who has previously won the competition twice and Lorna McNee, the Michelin starred Scottish chef who has also previously won the competition. The series will continue to be presented by Andi Oliver.
Phil said, ‘I’m so excited to be the new judge on Great British Menu. I’ve been an avid food-lover all my life, and I’m thrilled about this opportunity to taste food from the most creative and skilled chefs in the country. Can’t wait to put decades of practice to work and put my mouth where my mouth is.’
Ed Gamble comments, “I can think of no better person to pass the golden spoon to than my dear friend and frequent dining companion Phil Wang. He is hilarious, great company and crucially, matches my appetite more than anyone else I’ve met. I’ll miss everyone on the team but I know they’ll forget about me as soon as they start chomping with the Wang.”
Along with a new judge, there will be a new theme for Britain’s top chefs to celebrate with their dishes…Movies.
This year’s theme for the 32 chefs from across Britain and Northern Ireland who are competing for the top prize, is British movies and movie makers. The chefs who represent their home region, or nation must cook dishes which celebrate movies with a connection to their region or film makers or actors from their area. Expect dishes inspired from James Bond; Wallace and Gromit; Harry Potter, The Full Monty and Notting Hill. The chefs and judges have plenty to sink their teeth into.
The winning chefs will cook a banquet for Britain’s movie industry in the finale episode which this year is being held at St George’s Hall in Liverpool – which doubles as Gotham City Hall in Batman. Liverpool has the oldest film office in Europe and is the most filmed city in the UK outside of London.
BBC Commissioning Editor for Factual, Julie Shaw comments, “Ed has been a brilliant judge and I want to thank him for his outstanding contribution to Great British Menu. Phil is a wonderful addition to the team and audiences will get to see how much of a foody he really is, and this years theme will really showcase the outstanding talent the chefs have under their whites. Let the cooking commence!”
Sarah Eglin, Executive Producer at Optomen says, “As viewers will see Phil has literally wrestled Ed Gamble for the role. Not only is Phil a lover of food and different cuisines he has a great connection with the movies theme, indeed Phil’s acting skills– as well as his comedy talent, will be on full display in this series – wait and see.”
The series is commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment & Events and the Commissioning Editor is Julie Shaw. It will air on BBC Two and iPlayer in 2026. Great British Menu is filmed in the Midlands by Optomen.
