BBC announces new Celebrity MasterChef judge
Celebrity MasterChef UK has added a world-class restaurateur who is no stranger to the competition’s concept to its ranks ahead of its 21st season.
Following the recent departure of long-term co-host John Torode, whose exit came months after Gregg Wallace’s permanent sacking as a result of an inquiry into alleged misconduct, BBC executives have opted to shake up its famous flagship cooking show, Celebrity MasterChef.
It has previously been announced that the programme, set for an imminent relaunch, would be helmed by current MasterChef judge Grace Dent.
However, it has been revealed that her current co-presenter, Irish chef Anna Haugh, will not be joining her on the celebrity version.
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Instead, the 52-year-old will helm Celebrity MasterChef with a former army veteran who earned his first Michelin star back in 1999.
On Wednesday (3 June), it was announced that Grent’s co-judge would be none other than Giorgio Locatelli, current host of MasterChef Italia.
“Hosting Celebrity MasterChef alongside Grace is a real honour. I can’t wait for you to see what our celebrity contestants bring to the kitchen, as we are really putting their culinary skills to the test in this series,” the 63-year-old said, according to a press release.
Dent, who called Locatelli a ‘fabulous addition’ to the UK Celebrity MasterChef team, claimed to be a ‘long-time admirer’ of the culinary expert and a former fan of Locanda Locatelli, the former Michelin-starred restaurant, shuttered after 23 years in January 2025.
In May, the father-of-two opened Locatelli at the National Gallery, designed for ‘discerning connoisseurs of art and cuisine’.
“It was one of my happy places to eat,” Dent said of Locanda Locatelli. “I couldn't be happier to combine our shared joy, passion, and expertise for food.
“I also love an opportunity to serve up a heavy dose of glamour in the MasterChef kitchen, and I have a feeling Giorgio is going to give me a real run for my money,” the former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! competitor added.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, has gushed about Dent and Locatelli spearheading Celebrity MasterChef.
"Giorgio’s culinary expertise, Michelin-starred pedigree, and serious passion for food, coupled with the dynamism that both him and Grace bring to the screen, putting the celebrities through their culinary paces, is not one to be missed,” she said. “Viewers can expect a truly delicious series.”
Meanwhile, Leon Wilson, CEO of programme producer Shine TV and Zeppotron, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Giorgio onboard. He is a genuinely world-class superstar chef and it’s a huge coup to have signed him up. With his signature charm, generosity and energy Giorgio is perfect for Celebrity MasterChef and he’ll be a real treat for viewers.”
Fans won’t have to wait too long for the return of Celebrity MasterChef UK, with the BBC slating it for a summer release.
The broadcaster said that celebrity participants would be revealed in ‘due course’.
Locatelli’s appointment comes after the launch of MasterChef México 24/7, a live streaming version of the programme, allowing fans ‘unprecedented access to the inner workings of the ‘MasterChef’ journey’.
“MasterChef has sustained global relevance because it evolves without compromising its core, said Frank Scheuermann, chief content officer at MasterChef México producers, EndemolShine Boomdog.
“This model expands access to the process while protecting the integrity of the competition as viewers gain greater visibility into mentorship, technique, and progression.”
Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity, News
Ella Scott