Celebrity MasterChef Announces Star-Studded Cast for New Series
The BBC's popular culinary competition, Celebrity MasterChef, is set to return to screens later this year with a fresh lineup of famous faces and a new judging panel. The show, which has faced significant controversy over its former hosts, will be presided over by Grace Dent and Anna Haugh for the first time, following the departures of John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
Reality TV and Sports Stars Join the Kitchen
Among the latest celebrities reported to have signed up are Love Island's Shakira Khan, 23, who rose to fame as the runner-up on Season 12 of the reality show last year, and Gladiators star Dynamite, whose real name is Emily Steel, 23, a British record-holding weightlifter from the 2024 reboot. Dynamite will follow in the footsteps of fellow Gladiators Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeete), a 2024 finalist, and Fury (Jodie Ounsley), a semi-finalist from last year.
EastEnders actor Nitin Ganatra, 58, known for his role as Masood Ahmed on the long-running soap, and BBC Sports presenter Jason Mohammad, 52, are also said to be taking part in the competition. A source told The Sun that producers have assembled a strong mix of names to cover various viewer demographics. "Shakira will pull in younger viewers who are obsessed with Love Island, while Dynamite will also provide some eye candy as well as appealing to family viewers," the source explained. "Nitin is a legend among soap fans, while Jason draws in the sports crowd. There is something for everyone so far."
Additional Rumoured Contestants
Further rumours suggest that The Saturdays singer Una Healy, 44, and BBC Radio 1's Melvin Odoom, 41, will be joining the culinary battle. They may be accompanied by Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver, Strictly Come Dancing professional Lauren Steadman, and YouTuber Max Fosh. Last year's celebrity spin-off was won by RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Ginger Johnson, who triumphed over rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones and broadcaster Dawn O'Porter in a tense December finale.
Judging Panel Overhaul and Controversies
This year's series marks a significant shift for Celebrity MasterChef, with Grace Dent replacing Gregg Wallace on the celebrity edition last year, and John Torode subsequently removed from the series. In September, the BBC announced Dent and Anna Haugh as the judges for the upcoming 22nd series, following the high-profile exits of the former hosts.
John Torode stepped down in July 2025 after two decades, following allegations that he used a derogatory racist slur in the workplace in 2018. The complaint was revealed in a report investigating co-presenter Gregg Wallace's inappropriate behaviour. Torode identified himself as the unnamed person accused of using "racist language" but claimed he had "absolutely no recollection" of the incident and did "not believe that it happened." The BBC stated that his contract would not be renewed after an independent investigation substantiated the allegation, involving an "extremely offensive racist term" used during drinks after filming. Torode claimed he learned of his sacking through media reports rather than directly from the BBC or production company Banijay.
Meanwhile, Gregg Wallace was sacked after an external investigation upheld 45 complaints about his behaviour on the series, out of 83 allegations made. The substantiated claims included inappropriate sexual language and humour, culturally insensitive or racist comments, one instance of unwelcome physical contact, and three instances of being in a state of undress. Wallace issued an apology, saying he was "deeply sorry for any distress caused" and that he "never set out to harm or humiliate." The BBC apologised to "everyone who has been impacted" by his behaviour, admitting that "opportunities were missed to address" his conduct and stating that "more could and should have been done sooner."
In January, Wallace launched a fresh defence against the misconduct allegations, arguing that the 45 upheld complaints represented a "pile on" rather than a pattern of sustained behaviour over two decades. He insisted that only two complaints were ever raised during his 20-year tenure, with the remaining 43 emerging only after "sensationalised (and untrue)" initial allegations became public in late 2024.
The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC and the stars' representatives for comment on the new lineup and the ongoing developments surrounding the show.
