Top TV chef tipped to replace John Torode on Celebrity MasterChef

MasterChef has always thrived on familiarity with its rhythm of the kitchen, the familiar faces at the judging table, and the sense that no matter who’s cooking, the format itself is rock solid.

Over the past year, however, that sense of continuity has been tested, with the long-running BBC series - and its various offshoots - undergoing one of the most turbulent periods in its history.

Behind the scenes, producers have been navigating the fallout from a major investigation, public scrutiny and the departure of two of the show’s most recognisable figures.

While Grace Dent and Anna Haugh were named as the new faces of the amateur version of the show, viewers have had a lingering question about what the future of Celebrity MasterChef will actually look like.

John Torode and Grace Dent judged the latest season of Celebrity MasterChef together (BBC)

While the BBC has kept quiet, industry chatter has steadily grown louder with whispers of a reset: potentially a refreshed judging dynamic move the programme forward, which has been circulating for months.

That speculation appears to be narrowing in on a familiar face from the world of high-end hospitality and television food judging.

Italian chef and restaurateur Giorgio Locatelli is being tipped to step into the role vacated by John Torode, potentially fronting Celebrity MasterChef alongside food critic Grace Dent.

Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli is predicted to help usher in a new era (Maria Moratti/Getty Images)

The 62-year-old is no stranger to British audiences, having previously appeared as a judge on BBC Two’s Big Family Cooking Showdown and fronted Channel 4’s Celebrity Cooking School.

Locatelli’s culinary reputation was forged at Locanda Locatelli, the acclaimed Italian restaurant he opened with his wife Plaxy in central London in 2002.

The venue earned a Michelin star within a year and became a magnet for high-profile diners, including Madonna, Kate Winslet, Brad Pitt and Bill Clinton, during its 22-year run.

A source told The Sun that producers believe the shake-up marks ‘a new era’ for Celebrity MasterChef, adding that Locatelli is viewed as ‘the perfect fit’ thanks to his experience and on-screen personality.

Torode and Gregg Wallace's long-running tenure ended following a BBC investigation and show shake-up (SOPA Images/Getty Images)

The same source said bosses were keen to bring in someone with both industry credibility and warmth, as the show looks to steady itself after months of controversy.

As a result of a larger investigation into co-host Gregg Wallace (who was also made to leave the show), John Torode was removed from the programme following a BBC investigation that concluded he had used racist language.

He acknowledged the finding on social media but said he had ‘no recollection’ of the incident and did not believe it had taken place.

Since his exit, Torode has spoken openly about the personal impact, writing: “Life has changed forever for me and for those close to me,” adding that he was not seeking sympathy but offering 'just honesty'.

FOODbible has reached out to the BBC for comment.