Back in early 2026, Ed dropped the news on his Radio 4 comedy show, The News Quiz. He explained he was leaving the BBC cooking competition after judging for two series. He said it simply: “It takes up a lot of time and I’ve got other stuff I want to do.”
Isn’t that the most refreshingly honest reason ever? No drama, no secret feud—just a guy saying, “My plate’s too full, and I’m choosing my next dish.” It’s like when you quit that hobby group because you just need more weekends for yourself.
A Comedian in the Kitchen Court
Let’s be real: Ed wasn’t your typical judge. He’s a stand-up comedian and podcaster (yes, the Off Menu guy with James Acaster). On Great British Menu, he brought a chaotic, giggly energy that balanced the serious chef-judges like Tom Kerridge or Nisha Katona.
Imagine a cooking show where one panelist is laughing about a dessert that looks like a “sad frog.” That was Ed’s vibe. Great British Menu is notoriously intense—chefs cry, time runs out, and sous-vide machines beep angrily. Ed was the human pressure valve.
