Celebrity MasterChef debuts new judging team with Grace Dent and Giorgio Locatelli

The 21st season of Celebrity MasterChef has premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, introducing a new judging duo consisting of food critic Grace Dent and Michelin-starred Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli.

Viewers have responded positively to the refreshed format and the new judging team. The premiere featured 15 celebrities, including Emily Campbell, Jason Mohammad, Joe Pasquale, Jay McGuinness, and Shakira Khan. Challenges in the first heat included a personal dish round, a tasting game won by Joe Pasquale, and a cook-along challenge where Shakira Khan successfully recreated one of Locatelli’s gnocchi dishes.

The new judging lineup follows the departure of long-time hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode. Critics and fans have noted that the combination of Dent’s critical expertise and Locatelli’s professional culinary authority provides a refreshing and competent dynamic for the series.