In October 2000, Grossman left in anger over the proposed changes and was replaced by chef Gary Rhodes, who had previously presented MasterChef USA. As an additional requirement, each contestant had to use the same key ingredient in each course. The celebrity judge was no longer included and the contestants had to cook two courses in 90 minutes, which was extended to two-and-a-half hours for three courses in the final episode. It was moved from its traditional Sunday afternoon slot on BBC One to a Tuesday night slot on BBC Two and the format of the show was modified. In 2001, the show underwent a makeover in response to declining ratings. He returned to present the 1999 series but left the show in 2000.

In 1998, Grossman decided to take a sabbatical and the series was not made in his absence. The judges' 'cogitations' originally took place off-camera, but later episodes included edited highlights of the discussions after the food had been tasted and before the winner was announced. In each episode, Grossman and the guest judges discussed the menus, talked to the contestants, and finally ate and judged the food. The first incarnation of the series was presented by Loyd Grossman, who was joined each week by a professional chef and a celebrity to act as judges. 'Everyday' ingredients and equipment were provided, and contestants could also bring up to five 'speciality' ingredients or utensils. The contestants could choose the meal, although there was a price limit on ingredients. In each round, three contestants were tasked with preparing a gourmet three-course meal in under two hours. The show featured nine rounds leading up to three semifinals and a final. In the original series, amateur cooks competed for the title of Master Chef. The format and style of the show have been reproduced around the world in various international versions.

The series currently appears in four versions: the main MasterChef series Celebrity MasterChef MasterChef: The Professionals, with working chefs and Junior MasterChef, with children between the ages of nine and twelve. In 2008, the name was changed back to MasterChef but the format remained unchanged. The revival featured a new format devised by Franc Roddam and John Silver, with Karen Ross producing. The show initially ran from 1990 to 2001 and was revived in 2005 as MasterChef Goes Large.

MasterChef is a competitive cooking reality show produced by Endemol Shine UK and Banijay and broadcast in 60 countries around the world. City University's Bastwick Street Halls of Residence (2005–2011)

Rebecca's Choice by Heidi Gallacher