Full Breakdown
Giorgio Locatelli Joins Celebrity MasterChef as New Judge
6/3/2026, 9:00:37 PM
New Judge Announcement
Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli, 63, has been confirmed as the new judge on BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef, partnering food critic Grace Dent for the 21st series. Filming at Digbeth Loc Studios in Birmingham is complete, making this the first broadcast line-up after John Torode’s exit.
Judge Turnover Background
John Torode was removed after a Lewis Silkin report upheld an allegation he used an “extremely offensive racist term”; he says he has no recollection. Earlier, Gregg Wallace was dismissed following 45 upheld misconduct allegations and issued a public apology.
Key Figures & Milestones
Giorgio Locatelli – Michelin-starred chef, former MasterChef Italia judge, restaurateur of Locanda Locatelli.
Grace Dent – food critic and journalist, now co-judge.
John Torode – MasterChef judge removed over a racist-term allegation.
Gregg Wallace – judge dismissed after misconduct findings.
Series 21 follows winners Vito Coppola (2024) and Ginger Johnson (real name Donald Marshall, 2025). Locatelli holds two Michelin stars and has authored best-selling cookbooks.
Impact & Significance
Locatelli’s strict focus on cleanliness and time, paired with Dent’s emphasis on glamour, signals a shift toward a more disciplined yet entertaining judging style. The change seeks to restore audience confidence after the Torode and Wallace controversies.
Official Statements
BBC commissioning head Kalpna Patel-Knight praised Locatelli’s “culinary expertise, Michelin-starred pedigree and passion for food”. Shine TV chief Leon Wilson called the hire “a huge coup” and noted Locatelli’s “charm, generosity and energy”. Locatelli called the role a real honour, and Dent said she looks forward to a heavy dose of glamour.
Criticism & Opposition
The departures of Torode and Wallace illustrate heightened scrutiny of on-screen conduct. Torode’s alleged racist remark and Wallace’s misconduct findings have drawn public criticism, prompting the BBC to revamp the judging panel to address concerns over professionalism and inclusivity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think I was a bad cop. I'm strict. Strict about cleanliness and organisation. Those little skills that you teach them slowly.” — Giorgio Locatelli, Chef
- “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.” — Grace Dent, Food Critic
- “I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong.” — John Torode, TV Presenter
- “At the time, Wallace said he was "deeply sorry for any distress" he caused, and that he "never set out to harm or humiliate".” — Gregg Wallace, TV Presenter
What’s Next
The summer 2026 series will air on BBC One and iPlayer, though the exact launch date and the celebrity line-up remain undisclosed. Production notes confirm the format will continue to test participants in timed culinary challenges under Locatelli and Dent’s supervision.
