The 2025 series of Celebrity MasterChef reached its thrilling conclusion on Friday evening, with drag artist Ginger Johnson being crowned the champion after a fiercely contested final.
A Gruelling Final Showdown
After five intense weeks of culinary battles, the three finalists faced their ultimate test. Welsh rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones, writer Dawn O'Porter, and performer Ginger Johnson were tasked with creating a complete three-course feast within a demanding three-hour window. They cooked under the watchful eyes of judges John Torode, in his final series, and newcomer Grace Dent.
The competition culminated in a final judgement where Ginger's "intriguing and inventive" creations secured the victory. An emotional Ginger reacted with disbelief, stating, "I can't believe this, I'm honestly so shocked. I really just thought I was going to come here and have a laugh... it's absolutely crazy."
Fan Celebration and a Winning Menu
Viewers swiftly took to social media to express their joy at the result. One fan on X wrote, "I don't have enough words to express how chuffed I am... Well deserved Ginger." Another added, "She absolutely deserved the win for growing throughout, taking risks and smashing that last meal." The overwhelming sentiment was that the win was both popular and merited.
Ginger's triumphant menu was a nostalgic nod to 1970s dinner party classics. It featured:
- A Bloody Mary prawn cocktail starter.
- Duck leg pie with an orange and wine sauce as the main.
- A spectacular Baked Alaska for dessert.
Her competitors also presented deeply personal menus. Alun Wyn Jones showcased his journey with dishes like butter-poached trout and a classic steak, while Dawn O'Porter offered a "story menu" including crab tacos, stating she was "laying my heart on a plate."
A New Era for MasterChef
This series marked a significant changing of the guard for the show. It was John Torode's last appearance as a judge, while food critic Grace Dent made her highly praised debut. Audiences were quick to welcome Dent, with one viewer noting, "Grace Dent is the perfect addition... breathing new life into the whole show."
Dent replaces Gregg Wallace, who departed the BBC show following an investigation. She will be joined by Irish chef Anna Haugh for the next regular series. The Celebrity MasterChef 2025 final is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
