Celebrity MasterChef returned to BBC with comedian Joe Pasquale in the 2026 line-up, but fans quickly took to social media to issue warnings after he suffered a gruelling injury in the kitchen.
Joe Pasquale's injury during signature dish
On Tuesday, August 18, the first episode of series 21 aired with judge Grace Dent joined by co-judge and acclaimed Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli. They welcomed a new star-studded line-up of celebrities, including Joe Pasquale, singer Jay McGuiness, Love Island's Shakira Khan, Olympian Emily Campbell and radio presenter Jason Mohammad.
As the cooking got underway, disaster struck when Joe injured himself while preparing his signature dish, Frankensence pie, inspired by his passion for horror films. His complicated dish comprised 32 ingredients, including beef pie, red wine gravy, carrots, fennel and cheese and horseradish mash.
Fans react on social media
By the time Grace and Giorgio reached his workstation, Joe had already sliced his fingers twice. Upon seeing his fingers wrapped in blue plaster, fans quickly took to X to react. One warned: "I hope whoever has to eat Joe's dish doesn't find a lost finger in it." Another remarked: "If Joe gets to the end with any fingers left, it will be a minor miracle!"
This is a breaking live TV story, and the Showbiz Express.co.uk team will be updating this story with the latest information as soon as it is received.
