Celebrity MasterChef’s Kitchen Shake-Up: Giorgio Locatelli Steps In After John Torode’s Shock Exit

Fans of Celebrity MasterChef are in for a major change: Italian culinary maestro Giorgio Locatelli has been confirmed as the show’s new co-host, replacing John Torode following his dramatic exit last year.

The 63-year-old Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur will team up with returning fan-favourite Grace Dent, 52, for a brand-new series that has already been filmed and is set to air this summer.

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Celebrity MasterChef’s new co-host has been revealed as Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli [pictured alongside Grace Dent]

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The Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, 63, joins Grace Dent on the BBC show and will replace John Torode following his sacking by the broadcaster last year [pictured]

“Hosting Celebrity MasterChef alongside Grace is a real honour,” Giorgio said. “I can’t wait for you to see what our celebrity contestants bring to the kitchen—we’re really putting their culinary skills to the test this series.”

Grace also expressed her excitement:

“Giorgio is a fabulous addition to our UK Celebrity MasterChef team. I’ve long admired his work, and Locanda Locatelli has been one of my happy places to eat for years. Combining our shared passion for food, plus a sprinkle of glamour in the kitchen, is going to be amazing!”

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Giorgio shared: ‘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’ [pictured in December 2025]

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Giorgio will replace former host John, 60, [pictured with Grace] who was sensationally axed in July after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word during a work night out

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In the same month, John’s longtime co-host Gregg Wallace [R] was also dismissed after allegations that Gregg had made ‘sexual comments to 13 colleagues’ came to light

A Strict but Fair Eye in the Kitchen

Giorgio, known for his role as a judge on MasterChef Italia since 2018, revealed on the Table Manners podcast that he intends to be a “strict” mentor:

“I think I was the bad cop in Italy. Strict about cleanliness and organisation, those little skills you teach slowly. Working with celebrities is different from training future chefs, but you can see them grow—it’s the most interesting part of the whole experience.”

While the celebrity lineup is still under wraps, Giorgio teased that one star in particular surprised him with their cooking skills, saying:

“Everyone brings something unique to the kitchen. Sportspeople always hit the time, entertainment stars are all about creativity—it’s been really fun to watch them learn and shine.”

The Background Drama

Giorgio replaces John Torode, 60, who was sensationally sacked in July after two decades on the show amid allegations of using racial language during a work outing—a claim John vehemently denied. That same month, longtime co-host Gregg Wallace was also dismissed following claims of inappropriate comments to colleagues, which he denied, stating he had been cleared of the “most serious and sensational accusations.”

Grace stepped in to replace Gregg last year, shortly before John’s departure, and in September, the BBC confirmed Grace would return alongside Anna Haugh, 45, for the latest series.

With Giorgio bringing four decades of culinary experience, multiple bestselling cookbooks, and two Michelin stars to the table, fans are eagerly anticipating whether the new duo will deliver the drama, glamour, and kitchen magic Celebrity MasterChef is known for.