Phil Wang is to take over from Ed Gamble on BBC Two’s Great British Menu.

Gamble – who co-hosts the Off Menu podcast with James Acaster – is stepping down as judde after four series 

He said: ‘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.’

Wang has been filming the latest series in Stratford-upon-Avon, ahead of its return to screens in February 2026. 

He 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.’

Wang was previously one of the guest judges in  series 16, which aired in 2021 and had the theme science & invention.

Two-Michelin starred chef Tom Kerridge returns as lead judge with Lorna McNee, back for her second series. Andi Oliver remains host.

The time for next year’s series is movies, with each of the   32 chefs  asked to cook dishes which celebrate films, actors or directors with a connection to their region or film makers or actors from their area. 

Producers say that will mean dishes inspired by James Bond, Wallace and Gromit, Harry Potter, The Full Monty and Notting Hill.  

The winning chefs will cook a banquet for Britain’s movie industry   at St George’s Hall in Liverpool – which doubles as Gotham City Hall in Batman. The city lays claim to being the most filmed city in the UK outside of London.

BBC commissioning editor Julie Shaw said: ‘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.’

Sarah Eglin, executive producer at Optomen made reference to the Clash Of The Comics wresting contest – now streaming on U and pictured below – when she added: ‘As viewers will see Phil has literally wrestled Ed Gamble for the role. 

‘Not only is Phil a lover of food and different cuisines and 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.’

Wang famously had a role in 2023's Wonka.