Why did Ed Gamble leave Great British Menu – and who is his replacement Phil Wang?

It's time to head back into the kitchen as Great British Menu returns to Stratford upon Avon for a landmark 21st season.

In this series, 32 of the finest chefs from across Britain and Northern Ireland will compete in eight heats for the opportunity to create blockbuster dishes celebrating the British movie industry with a connection to their region or nation and to win a chance to cook a dish at the finale.

Returning to the judging panel this season is Tom Kerridge and Lorna McNee along with a new face, Phil Wang, who joins the series as Ed Gamble's replacement.

Andi Oliver will take viewers along the journey of the judges as they search to find the next best in British cuisine.

But why is Ed Gamble no longer on the judging panel? Read on to find out more.

Why did Ed Gamble leave Great British Menu?

The BBC announced ahead of the show's 21st anniversary that Ed Gamble would be passing on the golden spoon to Phil Wang.

Gamble's decision to leave the series hasn't been commented on but the comedian is incredibly busy with life outside the kitchen.

Alongside being the host of The Traitors Uncloaked and The Celebrity Traitors Uncloaked, Gamble is set to embark on a tour in the US and Canada. He is also the co-host of the popular long-running food/comedy podcast Off Menu with James Acaster.

In a statement about his exit, Ed Gamble 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."

Who is Ed Gamble's replacement Phil Wang in Great British Menu?

Alongside being a Radio Times cover star, Phil Wang is a comedian and writer who is a member of the sketch comedy group Daphne and the co-creator of their BBC Radio 4 series, Daphne Sounds Expensive.

Over the course of his comedy career, Wang has made a number of television and radio appearances, including Taskmaster, Would I Lie to You?, Have I Got News For You and 8 Out of 10 Casts Does Countdown.

He also once appeared in Great British Menu as a guest, so his new gig won't be completely alien to him.

Upon his appointment as judge, Wang commented: "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."

Great British Menu returns on Tuesday 24 February at 7pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.

Add Great British Menu to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.