The new series of Celebrity MasterChef has kicked off with a bang, and one contestant has already captured the nation's heart. Drag artist and Ru Paul's Drag Race winner Ginger Johnson is being hailed by fans as the early favourite to win the coveted title after a standout performance in the first episode.
A New Era for MasterChef
The BBC cooking show returned to screens this week with a significantly different lineup. Gregg Wallace was replaced by food critic Grace Dent following misconduct allegations. Furthermore, in September, it was announced that Irish chef Anna Haugh, 44, would take over from John Torode, who left the show after two decades amidst allegations of using 'racist language in 2018', which he claims to have 'no recollection' of.
The premiere episode, which aired on Monday, featured a diverse group of celebrities: singer Antony Costa, soap star Katie McGlynn, Paralympian and actor Gaz Choudhry MBE, and Love Island's Uma Jammeh. However, it was Ginger Johnson who immediately became the star of the show.
Viewers Declare an Early Winner
Social media erupted with praise for the drag artist shortly after the episode concluded. Fans took to Instagram to express their overwhelming support, declaring Ginger their chosen winner from the very start.
Comments flooded in, with one viewer writing, 'Grace and Ginger are the queens this show desperately needed ❤️,' while another proclaimed, 'Ginger Johnson world domination continues one tv show at a time and I'm so here for it.' The sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with posts like 'WE LOVE GINGER!!!!!' and 'Team Ginger Johnson! ALWAYS!!! And She looks incredible!!!!' solidifying her status as the people's champion.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges and On-Screen Confusion
The BBC faced a complex situation leading up to the new series. Grace Dent had already filmed the Celebrity MasterChef episodes with John Torode before his departure. The broadcaster stated that the decision to air these episodes was not 'straightforward', but confirmed that every celebrity contestant and guest had given their blessing for the footage to be broadcast.
This led to some confusion among viewers, who were bemused to see John Torode presenting the show on Monday despite his highly publicised exit. Many took to social media to express their surprise, with comments such as, 'I thought John had been sacked as well?!?!' Others pointed out the irony in Torode's on-screen dialogue, with one viewer noting, 'John's first line includes "Brand New Judge" oh mate if only you knew.'
In a recent interview, new host Grace Dent opened up about the state of her relationships with the former judges. She expressed adoration for John Torode, calling him a 'friend for life' and one of the 'kindest, most concerned, clever, thoughtful men' she knows. Regarding Gregg Wallace, she admitted that her personal, positive recollections of him were now 'irrelevant' after reading the BBC report into the allegations.
Dent also highlighted that the show was a 'very male place' and expressed excitement about changing that dynamic alongside her new co-host, Anna Haugh. Meanwhile, John Torode shared a post on his Instagram Stories, stating he has 'nothing to prove' and is 'moving forward'.
With the competition just beginning, all eyes are on Ginger Johnson to see if she can maintain her momentum and clinch the Celebrity MasterChef 2024 title.
