Great British Menu 2023 to start on 31 January

Great British Menu will return to television screens at 8pm from 31 January on BBC Two for its 18th series.

Inspired by Paddington Bear's 65th birthday, this year's chefs, including Gareth Bartram, Will Lockwood, Cal Byerley and Rory Welch, will compete to cook at a six-course banquet celebrating the best of British animation and illustration.

Dishes will be influenced by cartoons, comic books and computer games ranging from Horrible Histories to Heartstopper.

The programme will be hosted by chef and TV presenter Andi Oliver alongside chef Tom Kerridge, restaurateur Nisha Katona and comedian Ed Gamble.

Great British Menu will run for nine weeks, starting with the North East heat, which will feature judge and chef Angela Hartnett.

The first few episodes will involve a vegan starter, a fish course, a main course and dessert. Out of the four competing chefs, only one chef from the North East will represent the region in the national finals.

Episodes one, two and three of Great British Menu Season 18 will air on 31 January, 1 February and 2 February.

The full-line up of chefs and judges for Great British Menu is yet to be released.