LOCAL celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt will replace Gregg Wallace as a judge on the next series of BBC One's MasterChef: The Professionals alongside Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti

Best known as host of Saturday Kitchen on BBC One, Matt has a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry and on TV, plus authoring cookbooks and magazine articles.

The 51-year-old, who lives in Llantillio Crossenny between Monmouth and Abergavenny and ran top Monmouthshire eatierie The Foxhunter at Nantyderry for 13 years, is starring at this week's Abergavenny Food Festival.

Wallace was sacked in July over allegations about his conduct on MasterChef.

And having been unveiled as his replacement, Matt said of his new role alongside Wareing and Galetti: "It’s an absolute honour to be working alongside these two titans of the food world.

"Their knowledge and uncompromising attitude is now the stuff of legend and I look forward to them taking me under their wing and seeing the chefs get off to a flying start in the competition.”

Marcus added: “I’m really looking forward to working with Matt and his experience, both on screen and in the industry, speaks for itself.

"This show is all about showcasing and celebrating the best up and coming talent emerging from our country’s professional kitchens and Matt, Monica and I will be expecting the highest standards from our chefs this year. I can’t wait for what will be a fantastic next series.”

Monica, who has also appeared at Abergavenny Food Festival, says: “To have Matt join us is really exciting.

“Seeing what skills our contestants showcase and tasting their culinary creations is always a delight – Marcus and I look forward to welcoming Matt to the MasterChef studios and discovering our next champion.”

Matt is appearing at the food festival on Saturday (September 20) alongside wine guru Olly Smith.