# Celebrity MasterChef UK season 21 premiere and judging debut

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/celebrity-masterchef-uk-developments
> Updated: 2026-08-18T20:00:00.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

In early August 2026, the MasterChef franchise announced the launch of Celebrity MasterChef season 21 on BBC One, slated to begin on 18 August. The promotion highlighted a guest appearance by social-media chef Nick DiGiovanni, a new rule eliminating the immunity pin, and the addition of Michelin-star chef Giorgio Locatelli to the judging panel alongside existing judges.

A few days later, Giorgio Locatelli generated additional publicity by shaving his head in a video posted to Instagram ahead of his debut as a judge. The dramatic haircut sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans praising the bold look and others making jokes. Locatelli framed the change as a personal statement of courage as he prepared for his new television role.

Season 21 premiered on 18 August on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, marking a significant transition following the departure of long-time hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode. The new judging lineup features food critic Grace Dent and Locatelli, a combination that viewers and critics have described as providing a “refreshing and competent dynamic” for the series.

The premiere featured 15 celebrities, including Emily Campbell, Jason Mohammad, Joe Pasquale, Jay McGuinness, and Shakira Khan. Early challenges included a personal dish round and a tasting game won by Joe Pasquale, as well as a cook-along where Shakira Khan recreated one of Locatelli’s gnocchi dishes.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Celebrity MasterChef debuts new judging team with Grace Dent and Giorgio Locatelli

The new season of Celebrity MasterChef has launched on the BBC, featuring a new judging team of Grace Dent and Giorgio Locatelli to much praise from viewers.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/celebrity-masterchef-debuts-new-judging-team-with-grace-dent-and-giorgio-locatelli

### 2026-08-07: Giorgio Locatelli Shaves Head for Celebrity MasterChef UK Debut

Chef Giorgio Locatelli shaved his iconic hair ahead of his debut as a judge on Celebrity MasterChef UK, prompting mixed reactions online.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giorgio-locatelli-shaves-head-for-celebrity-masterchef-uk-debut

### 2026-08-05: MasterChef franchise rolls out new Celebrity season and features Nick DiGiovanni on episode

Nick DiGiovanni guests a MasterChef episode with a new rule change, while BBC One reveals Celebrity MasterChef season 21 debut on 18 August with new judge Giorgio Locatelli.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/masterchef-franchise-rolls-out-new-celebrity-season-and-features-nick-digiovanni-on-episode

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Cite as: Celebrity MasterChef UK season 21 premiere and judging debut. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/celebrity-masterchef-uk-developments