Giorgio Locatelli has been confirmed as the new co-host of Celebrity MasterChef, stepping in after John Torode’s departure from the BBC series last year. The announcement places the Michelin-starred chef alongside food critic Grace Dent for the upcoming celebrity edition, which has already completed filming.
Locatelli expressed excitement about joining the programme, describing the role as a significant honour. He said he looked forward to seeing how the celebrity contestants handle the demanding kitchen challenges. According to him, the series pushes participants to fully test their culinary abilities under pressure.
Grace Dent welcomed her new co-host warmly and praised his arrival on the show. She called Locatelli a “fabulous addition” to the MasterChef team and said she had long admired his work. Dent also joked that the kitchen would feature a strong sense of glamour, adding that she expected a lively partnership on screen.
Filming took place earlier this year, with both judges already having completed their roles for the season. Locatelli later reflected on his experience during an appearance on the Table Manners podcast. He admitted he took on a strict judging style, particularly when it came to organisation and cleanliness in the kitchen.
Discipline and timing stood out as key themes for him throughout production. He noted that contestants from entertainment backgrounds often struggled with time management. In contrast, sports personalities tended to adapt more easily because of their structured routines.
Attention now turns to how viewers will respond when the new season airs. The format continues to place celebrities into high-pressure cooking tasks, with judges eliminating contestants until one winner remains. Producers expect strong competition once the series reaches broadcast.
The change in judging line-up follows John Torode’s exit from the BBC show. An independent investigation upheld an allegation involving inappropriate language, which he said he did not recall. His departure also came shortly after Gregg Wallace left the programme following multiple misconduct findings.
Locatelli’s arrival marks a new chapter for the franchise. The chef built his reputation through Michelin-starred restaurants and earlier work at London’s Savoy Hotel. Over the years, he has opened several acclaimed dining establishments, including Locanda Locatelli in London.
Viewers will see the new judging duo when Celebrity MasterChef returns to UK screens later this year. The BBC has yet to reveal the full list of participating celebrities. However, Locatelli hinted that one contestant in particular delivered unexpectedly strong performances during filming.
The upcoming series aims to continue the show’s tradition of blending entertainment with serious culinary competition. Fans will soon discover whether the new judging partnership brings a different energy to the kitchen.
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