The Celebrity MasterChef 2026 line-up has been announced, with a Strictly Come Dancing winner and a much-loved comedian among the contestants.
The 21st series of the BBC cooking competition was confirmed on Monday 27 July. It will air on BBC One and iPlayer as usual.
Heat One Contestants
Leading the first heat is Jay McGuinness, best known as a member of The Wanted. He won the 13th series of Strictly in 2015 with professional partner Aliona Vilani. Jay said: “My bandmates Tom and Max had a great time on the show, and I was so impressed watching them! I like challenges and learning new things. What’s the worst that could happen.”
Also taking part are Olympic medallist weightlifter Emily Campbell, Final Score presenter Jason Mohammad, and Shakira Khan, who appeared on Love Island last year. Comedian Joe Pasquale completes the cast.
Joe, a former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! winner, said: “I love a good challenge. I don’t like to be in shallow water; I love the deep end… and I love the adrenaline that goes with pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. I’m a huge fan of the show and have watched it for many years. I really hope to learn something as I’ve always fancied myself as a bit of a chef as I love to experiment but never had the confidence to pursue it.”
Previous Winner and Series Details
Last year’s champion was drag artist Ginger Johnson (real name Donald Marshall), who beat fellow finalists Alun Wyn Jones and Dawn O’Porter.
A BBC spokesperson said: “The red carpet rolls into the MasterChef kitchen for a glittering line-up of celebrities from the worlds of music, drama, comedy, sport and showbiz. This 21st series warmly welcomes singers and sports stars, actors and authors, to comedians, entertainers and presenters, all with the aim of cooking their way to becoming Celebrity MasterChef 2026 Champion. Five weeks of extraordinary challenges await in a competition that will push the celebrities beyond the comfort of their showbiz jobs. Acting the part won’t cut the mustard and singing for your supper will not equal success. The only thing guaranteed is that just one of them will be left standing at the end, where their sparkling career will lead them to the shiny prize - the iconic Celebrity MasterChef trophy.”
