Celebrity MasterChef star Jay McGuinness has been ordered to leave the competition immediately after the first heat of the 2026 series.
The cooking competition has returned for its 21st season, with Grace Dent and Giorgio Locatelli taking over from Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
In the first heat, the celebrities taking part included Welsh TV and radio presenter Jason Mohammad, actor and author Joe Pasquale, The Wanted's Jay McGuinness, weightlifter and Olympic medallist Emily Campbell and Love Island star Shakira Khan.
Judges' Decision
After a guest appearance from former Top Gear and Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness, the judges issued an update, sending one candidate home.
Giorgio said: "It was a close call. The person leaving us is Jay."
He went on: "Jay, the pie really let you down but you've been a joy to work with."
As he was supported by his co-stars before making his exit, the singer commented: "I really wish I could stay because we've had so much fun in and around the kitchen, but thank you for having me."
He added: "It sucks to go, and I hate to break up the band, but the memories, they last."
Viewer Reactions
Viewers were furious to see Jay go, with one writing: "Well well…shooketh! Jay was robbed!"
"Ohhh @JayMcGuiness I'm so sad," another said. A third fumed: "What the f**k! How did they get sent home first??"
Others argued that Jason should have been eliminated, as one said: "Jay over Jason - absolutely wrong decision."
"Over all the tasks Jay was better than Jason. Bit of a strange decision," another wrote.
Jay's Motivation
Ahead of taking part in the competition, Jay had shared his motivation behind it, saying: "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?"
He added: "I wouldn't say I'm experimental, but I do love to add spice. My presentation is terrible but under pressure I can follow orders and rarely get in a flap.
"Regardless of how the cooking goes, I'll eat it! Burnt, rubbery, salty, it's going in. My loved ones have watched me eat some rotten stuff in awe and disgust."
Celebrity MasterChef is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
