Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMichelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli is joining the judging panel of Celebrity MasterChef for its upcoming 21st series. Locatelli, who has already filmed his appearance, will sit alongside restaurant critic Grace Dent. He described his judging approach as “strict”, focusing on cleanliness and organisation, and observed that sportspeople on the show were better at time management than entertainment professionals. His appointment follows significant changes to the judging line-up, with John Torode dismissed over allegations of racist language and Gregg Wallace sacked due to misconduct allegations. The spin-off series challenges celebrities to test their culinary skills, with recent winners including Vito Coppola in 2024 and Ginger Johnson in 2025. In fullMichelin star chef Giorgio Locatelli joins Celebrity MasterChefThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The Italian is the latest chef to join the show following the sackings of Gregg Wallace and John Torode

Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli has been confirmed as the new Celebrity MasterChef judge as the BBC series returns this summer.

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John Torode's Celebrity MasterChef replacement has been revealed after his shock exit from the show last year

Celebrity MasterChef's new co-host has been revealed as Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli, who will replace axed star John Torode.