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4 June 2026

MasterChef gets a fresh twist with Giorgio Locatelli on board

Get ready for a culinary explosion as Giorgio Locatelli joins Celebrity MasterChef, bringing his expertise and charm to the judging table

MasterChef gets a fresh twist with Giorgio Locatelli on board

The world of Celebrity MasterChef is about to get a whole lot more exciting with the introduction of Giorgio Locatelli as the new judge. This michelin-starred chef is no stranger to the culinary scene, having worked at the prestigious Savoy and launched several successful restaurants, including Olivo, Zafferano, and Locanda Locatelli.

Locatelli’s appointment comes after John Torode was sacked from the show following an allegation of using a racist term. Torode had been a part of the MasterChef family for over two decades, but his exit has paved the way for fresh talent to join the judging panel.

The New Judge

So, what can we expect from Giorgio Locatelli as a judge on Celebrity MasterChef? For starters, he’s a stickler for cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen, which could make for some interesting challenges for the celebrity contestants. As he mentioned in an interview, being a good chef is not just about cooking, but also about presentation and attention to detail.

A New Dynamic

The addition of Giorgio Locatelli to the show is expected to bring a new dynamic to the judging panel. He’ll be joining forces with Grace Dent, who has been a part of the show since Gregg Wallace was sacked after 45 allegations of misconduct were upheld against him. The chemistry between Locatelli and Dent is expected to be electric, with Locatelli’s straight-talking approach and Dent’s witty humour making for a compelling watch.

The Contestants

While the lineup of celebrity contestants for the new series of Celebrity MasterChef has not been revealed yet, we can expect to see a mix of entertainment, sports, and music personalities battling it out in the kitchen. Locatelli has already hinted that one contestant in particular stood out to him with their culinary skills, but we’ll have to wait and see who that is.

What’s Next

With Giorgio Locatelli on board, Celebrity MasterChef is set to be more exciting than ever. The new series is expected to air later this year, and we can’t wait to see what the contestants have in store for us. Will they be able to impress Locatelli with their cooking skills, or will they crumble under the pressure? One thing’s for sure – it’s going to be a wild ride.

Author

Henry Anderson

Henry Anderson of Edinburgh, sharp-corporate in demeanour, famously argued to run a council budget deep-dive after a packed Holyrood briefing, choosing public-accountability over easy headlines. Prefers evidence-led interrogation of institutions and collects annotated maps of the Lothians as a private quirk.