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Celebrity MasterChef UK season 21 premiere and judging debut

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2026-08-07 14:24 UTC → 2026-08-18 23:13 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Celebrity MasterChef UK ~~developments~~ season 21 premiere and judging debut

In early August ~~2026~~ 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~~ social-media chef Nick DiGiovanni, a new rule eliminating the immunity pin, and the addition of ~~Michelin‑star~~ 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.

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