MasterChef

BBC announces ‘Puppet Masterchef’ for Children in Need

A two-by-two grid of different puppets posing in the Masterchef kitchen. From top left clockwise, they are Tinky Winky, Hacker and Dodge T Dog, Basil Brush and Zippy and George

Amongst the furry friends making an appearance are Tinky Winky, Hacker T Dog, Dodge, Basil Brush and favourites from 1970s-90s series Rainbow, Zippy and George. Like any flesh-and-blood contestant, the puppets will be expected to wow judges Greg Wallace and John Torode with their culinary flair.

Tinky Winky made a name for themselves on hit CBeebies series Teletubbies, whereas Hacker T Dog first appeared in CBBC’s Scoop. The canine personality was later introduced as a presenter in the CBBC office, with half-brother Dodge joining soon after.

TV Picks: 1st March - 8th March

(credit: Sky)

MasterChef

Monday 1 March 

BBC One, 9pm 

John Torode and Greg Wallace are back on the lookout for the best amateur chefs who can whip up delicious, impressive and inventive dishes. 

A new group of 40 contestants will be put through their paces in a series of socially distanced culinary challenges, to prove they have what it takes to be crowned the MasterChef champion. 

MasterChef returns for 16th series

Another 60 contestants will battle it out with their utensils over the space of eight gruelling weeks, as judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace search for the UK’s best amateur cook.

The competition begins with five weeks of heats featuring two brand new challenges. The contestants will need to bring ingredients from home to cook their Signature Dish in the first round, with the best two heading straight through to the third.

Sound masterclass with Matt Bacon and Kate Davis

Matt Bacon and Kate Davis (Credit: Paul Hampartsoumian)

Davis received a Bafta nomination this year for her work on the BBC Four documentary Amy Winehouse: Back to Black. Bacon specialises in formatted and entertainment series such as Channel 5 reality show The Bachelor and the BBC’s Masterchef.