Irish chef Anna Haugh is replacing Monica Galetti as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals

Irish chef Anna Haugh will serve as a judge on the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals.

Haugh, 41, from Allaght, chef and owner of Myrtle restaurant in Chelsea, takes over from Monica Galetti, who recently announced her departure from the BBC One series.

The Irish chef said she was excited to begin her new role on the hit show.

She said: “MasterChef has an impeccable reputation and legacy in the hospitality industry.

“I’ve long admired Monica as an incredible cook and she paved the way for female chefs.

“It’s a privilege to keep her place warm in the MasterChef kitchen.”

Haugh is a familiar face on television, appearing regularly on BBC One’s Morning Live and Saturday Kitchen.

She was also one of the main cooks on BBC’s Ready Steady Cook and appeared on Channel 4’s Snackmasters.

Galetti served on the judging panel for 14 years, joining the original cast of Michel Roux Jr. and Wallace, and with Wareing from 2014 after Roux left.

She announced last week that she was stepping down from her role as a judge for the next series to focus on her family and her restaurant, saying: “My family needs me, my restaurant needs me and trying to balance long days of shooting The next three months with all these commitments meant that something had to go.

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“So at the moment I have to focus 100 per cent on my loved ones and rebuild my kitchen team which has been battered especially in the last few months.”

Haugh has been a professional chef for almost 20 years and has worked at a number of top restaurants including as Executive Chef at the opening of Gordon’s Ramsay’s London House restaurant.

David Ambler, Executive Editor of MasterChef, said, “Anna brings a wealth of culinary expertise and experience to the competition and we are delighted to have her as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals.”

Sarah Clay, BBC Entertainment Editor, said: “Anna is a wonderful addition to the MasterChef family, her knowledge of food is exceptional. I look forward to seeing their reviews and bringing their warmth and enthusiasm to the kitchen.”

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