Great British Menu’s Andi Oliver reveals real reason veteran chef missed show in surprise hosting shake-up

GREAT British Menu's Andi Oliver has revealed why the veteran chef was absent during a shocking hosting shake-up.

The Great British Menu features 32 chefs in total, representing eight different regions or nations.

Host, Andi, 59, is a London-based chef who is frequently seen hosting TV and radio shows, usually about food.

Three chefs were halfway through their heat in the latest episode of the culinary show, and the pressure was building.

They each served their own take on the brief, which was inspired by Paddington's 65th birthday and celebrated British animation and illustration.

Only two aspiring chefs went on to cook for the judges and compete for the chance to represent Wales at the regional finals.

However, due to an unexpected line-up change, the guest chef, Lorna McNee, who was supposed to host, was nowhere to be found.

Andi and the official Great British Menu producers revealed on on Twitter why the chef did not appear on the show.

The reason for this was that the guest chef was expecting her first child and needed to watch what she ate.

They tweeted: "We can now reveal that the reason Veteran Judge chef Lorna McNee was not able to judge on today's episode was because she was happily expecting her first baby and had to be careful about what she was eating.

Great British Menu and Andi Oliver wish Lorna and family the very best."

Fans were also quick to send their congratulations to the veteran chef.

One wrote: "Truly wonderful news. Of course there is a lovely danger that Lorna will now become a gloriously accomplished Mum as well as being one of Britain's finest and most respected chefs. Not just a Michelin star. I add my warm congratulations to everyone else's."

Another added: "Oh congratulations Lorna!"

A third penned: "Oh that's lovely news! Huge congratulations to you."

A fourth echoed: "Congratulations! This is fantastic news. She did so well yesterday."