The MasterChef franchise has signed a six-year deal with the BBC, which is transferring production from London to Birmingham.

MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Celebrity MasterChef, and the newly announced BBC Three programme Young MasterChef will air until 2028, after which it will relocate to Digbeth Loc in the UK's second city.

The shows, which are produced by Banijay's Shine TV label, have established themselves as high-rating BBC staples in recent years, attracting millions of people per episode. According to the BBC, the most recent series had the most successful premiere since 2017.

MasterChef has aired on the BBC since 1990, with the exception of a brief break between 2001 and 2005, while a US version starring Gordon Ramsay has aired on Fox since 2010.

The BBC's decision to relocate to Birmingham reflects the corporation's desire to properly represent the United Kingdom as a whole and produce more programming outside of London. Morning Live, a daily topical program, is moving to Manchester as of today morning.

“We said we would create jobs and investment, bringing decision-making and productions to the West Midlands as part of our Across the UK plans,” said BBC Director General Tim Davie, unveiling the move.

“Moving one of our biggest program brands shows we are making that a reality.”

Banijay UK CEO Lucinda Hicks added: “We are delighted to be taking our incredible production to Birmingham. Not only is it one of the most creatively exciting and culinary diverse regions in country, but it is also on the cusp of being a major TV production centre again.”

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, who hails from Birmingham and is involved with Digbeth Loc, said he “looks forward to welcoming many more blue chip brands into our rapidly expanding media neighborhood.”