BBC Masterchef production is moving to Birmingham - and it’s going to be delicious

The BBC has announced that it is moving production of Masterchef from London to Birmingham.

The show will be produced in our great city from 2024, it has been revealed today.

It’s a huge shift for the show which has been created in London for the past 20 years.

The new series will be made at the new Digbeth Loc Studios, run by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

MasterChef is one of the corporation’s biggest entertainment shows and a number of other spin-offs including Celebrity MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals and Young MasterChef will also be produced in Birmingham.

Birmingham will also be home to the BBC’s new apprentices hub, which in its first year will see up to 50 apprentices placed with employers in the region’s creative industries.

What has the BBC said about moving Masterchef to Birmingham?

The BBC’s director general, Tim Davie, said the decision was "great news for Birmingham and the BBC".

"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," he said.

"Moving one of our biggest programme brands shows we are making that a reality."

Kate Phillips, Director of BBC Entertainment, said: “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’s 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.”

What have the Masterchef producers said about the move?

Lucinda Hicks, CEO Banijay UK said: “We are delighted to be taking our incredible production to Birmingham. Not only is it one of the most creatively exciting and culinary diverse regions in country, but it is also on the cusp of being a major TV production centre again.

“Having a multi-series, returning show like MasterChef made in the Midlands will provide a multitude of local roles, training and development opportunities, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the TV industry of the future.”

Jon Swain, Managing Director, 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.”

What has Digbeth Loc said about the relocation of Masterchef?

Steven Knight, Digbeth Loc. said: “I am genuinely thrilled that MasterChef is coming to Birmingham and honoured that Shine TV has chosen to locate such an iconic production at Digbeth Loc.

“We will work hard to ensure that this internationally renowned TV institution instantly feels at home in our creative environment, and we look forward to welcoming many more blue chip brands into our rapidly expanding media neighbourhood.”

What has Birmingham City Council said about Masterchef production coming to Birmingham?

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said the diverse range of dining options in the city, along with its burgeoning creative sector meant Birmingham was natural new home for the long-running popular series.

Following the BBC’s confirmation of the move, Cllr Ward said: “I’m delighted to welcome Masterchef to Birmingham and today’s announcement production of the hit BBC show is moving from London to Digbeth just underlines our growing status as a fantastic Food City.

“With five Michelin-starred restaurants, the world-famous Balti Triangle, a vibrant street food scene and a host of amazing independents, this is the perfect home for the BBC’s flagship culinary programme.

“Of course, Birmingham is also fast becoming one of the UK’s prime locations for filming and we have the talent and creativity needed to make this latest move a resounding success.”

Paul Kitson, Strategic Director for Place, Prosperity and Sustainability at Birmingham City Council, said the move complemented work already being undertaken via the council’s Our Future City Plan.

Paul said: “Digbeth is a fantastic part of our great city, boldly showcasing everything great about our past, present and future – it really is one of the leading creative quarters, not just in the UK, but internationally.

“Everyone in the city and wider West Midlands is keen to see institutions like the BBC expand their footprint locally, to ensure their output is truly representative of the communities they serve.

“We have the skills, the talent and are developing the infrastructure to enable this to happen – and the MasterChef relocation is an endorsement of everything that partners in the city are doing.

“To enable this announcement, there has been a spirit of co-operation and a genuine shared purpose from partners including the likes of the WMCA and Homes England. We look forward to continuing this close working to make this project and other initiatives a big success for the city, as there is a growing confidence there will be plenty more to come.”

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