Anna Haugh will join BBC One’s MasterChef: The Professionals as judge for the next series alongside Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace.

The announcement comes after MasterChef: The Professionals judge, Monica Galetti, stepped down from filming to balance the needs of her restaurant business and her family.

Anna Haugh is the chef patron of Myrtle Restaurant in Chelsea. She joins Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace for series 15, which returns to BBC One later this year.

Anna has been cooking professionally for almost 20 years. She started her apprenticeship in L’Ecrivain in Dublin before she went on to work in Paris for Gualtiero Marchesi.

When Anna moved to London, she worked with Shane Osborn at Pied a Terre, Philip Howard at The Square and then was head chef in the opening of London House for Gordon Ramsay.

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

Anna says: “MasterChef has an impeccable reputation and legacy within the hospitality industry. I have long-admired Monica as an incredible chef and she’s paved the way for female chefs. It’s a privilege to be keeping her seat warm in the MasterChef kitchen.”

BBC Commissioning Editor, Entertainment, Sarah Clay says: “Anna is a wonderful addition to the MasterChef family, her food knowledge is exceptional. I’m looking forward to seeing her critiques and bringing her warmth and enthusiasm to the kitchen.”

Anna is a regular chef on BBC One’s Morning Live where she spoke about her new role as judge. She is also host and regular guest chef on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen; was one of the main chefs on BBC’s Ready Steady Cook, and took part in Season 2 of Snackmasters on Channel 4 and three series of BBC One’s Royal Recipes.