Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli has been announced as the new judge on Celebrity MasterChef, joining restaurant critic Grace Dent for the upcoming 21st series. Locatelli replaces John Torode, who was sacked from the BBC after allegations of using racist language were upheld. The show has seen a ratings slump in recent months, with viewership dropping by 15% compared to the previous series.
Locatelli, 63, is known for judging the Italian version of the amateur cooking show. He revealed his judging style on the podcast Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware, saying: “I think I was a bad cop. I’m strict. Strict about cleanliness and organisation.” He added: “We’re working with celebrities which is different from working with people who wanted to be a chef, but still, you can really see them growing.”
Dent expressed enthusiasm about her new co-judge, stating: “Giorgio Locatelli is a fabulous addition to our UK Celebrity MasterChef team. I’m a long-time admirer of his work and was a huge fan of Locanda Locatelli.” She also noted that the show’s ratings slump may be addressed by the fresh dynamic.
The contestants for the new series have not been announced, but Locatelli hinted that one celebrity stood out for the quality of their dishes. He noted that sportspeople were particularly good at timing, while those from entertainment backgrounds struggled more. The series has already been filmed and is set to air later this year.
