It may only be the start of 2023, but we're already being treated to a brand-new series of Great British Menu. TV's most elite culinary competition is back for its eighteenth series, showcasing the immense depth of talent within the UK's restaurant scene, as chefs from all corners of Britain battle it out for a place at the prestigious final banquet. As per usual, there's a theme which the contestants will have to design their menus around, and this year's looks set to be a corker. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Great British Menu 2023.

The first episode of series eighteen of Great British Menu is set to air at 8pm on Tuesday 31st January on BBC Two, with episodes airing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for the following nine weeks. As in previous years, there will be eight weeks of regional heats, followed by a finals week and the all important banquet.

This year, to celebrate Paddington Bear's 65th birthday, the chefs will be taking inspiration from the best of British animation and illustration when creating their dishes, from cartoons to video games. Expect props a plenty and recognisable characters making appearances left, right and centre, as the chefs try to capture the imagination of the judges.

After a shake-up in the judging line-up last year, 2023 will see the same panel of Tom Kerridge, Nisha Katona and Ed Gamble return to judge the regional finals and finals week. Each week they will also be joined by a guest judge connected to the theme of illustration and animation. Andi Oliver will continue to keep the chefs company in the kitchen as host, whilst you can also expect to see the usual suspects returning as veterans to score the heats.

This year, the BBC will be announcing the chefs taking part for each region week-on-week rather than all at once. We'll be regularly updating this page with each week's line-up.