A real sensation has swept Spanish television: after more than a decade as a judge on the iconic cooking show MasterChef, Samantha Vallejo-Nágera is stepping down. For many fans, this turn of events came as a surprise—her name has long been synonymous with the show, and Samantha’s style and charisma were an integral part of its atmosphere. As of today, new episodes are being filmed without her, and the judging panel now features social media star Marta Sanahuja, known as Delicious Martha.
Samantha was more than just a judge—she became a symbol of healthy eating, aesthetics, and professionalism on television. Her culinary journey started long before she appeared on screen, including work at the legendary Arzak restaurant, collaborating with chef Anthony Todd in New York, and later launching her own creative catering business. In every episode, she emphasized the importance of quality ingredients and beautiful presentation, with her tips often turning into memes among viewers.
Changes on the team
Samantha’s departure marks only the second time in the history of the Spanish MasterChef that a core judge has been replaced. Previously, in 2019, host Eva González left the show, after which the format was fully handed over to the judges. Now, joining regulars Pepe Rodríguez and Jordi Cruz is Marta Sanahuja, whose digital media experience promises to bring new energy to the show.
Interestingly, Samantha’s departure coincided with the end of her own television project—a holiday show where she shared original recipes and decorating ideas. Despite featuring celebrity guests, the program failed to achieve high ratings, but this did not affect Samantha’s relationship with the network. On the contrary, she has already been offered new formats related to gastronomy and lifestyle, as well as the chance to participate in a fresh project where she will work alongside her brother, designer Nicolás Vallejo-Nágera.
New horizons
In the near future, Samantha is set to appear in a show dedicated to interiors and décor, where celebrities will compete to create unique spaces. This project promises to be a real challenge for the participants and a spectacle for the audience. Known for her passion for creativity and innovation, Samantha is sure to bring her signature style to the competition.
Fans have noticed that after announcing her departure from MasterChef, Samantha chose not to make any bold statements on social media. Instead, she dedicated her latest post to her brother, highlighting his talent and contemporary approach to design. This gesture shows that, for her, family support and new professional challenges are more important right now than discussing past projects.
The digital age
The arrival of Marta Sanahuja on the MasterChef jury is more than just a fresh face—it’s a strategic move to engage a younger audience and focus on digital content. Marta has millions of followers on Instagram and other social networks, and her approach to cooking stands out for its simplicity, accessibility, and visual appeal. She is open to experimentation and readily shares life hacks, making her relatable to a new generation of viewers.
Marta has earned acclaim as one of the top gastronomy bloggers, with many of her recipes going viral. Unlike traditional chefs, she focuses on home-style dishes that are easy to recreate, always emphasizing that food should bring joy and inspire creativity.
The future of MasterChef
A change in the jury could mark the beginning of a new era for MasterChef España. Over the years, the show has become an integral part of the country’s cultural landscape, and it is now opening up to fresh ideas and formats. Whether Marta Sanahuja can replicate Samantha’s success and maintain viewers’ interest remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the show is not afraid to evolve and keep pace with the times.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Samantha Vallejo-Nágera is one of the most renowned figures in Spanish gastronomy and television. She founded her own catering company, has worked in leading restaurants both in Spain and abroad, and actively promotes a healthy lifestyle. Her contribution to popularizing culinary arts and developing gastronomic shows in Spain is hard to overestimate. Today, Samantha continues to grow her business ventures and take part in new television formats, remaining a prominent and influential personality in the world of Spanish cuisine.
