Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli has been announced as the newest judge on Celebrity MasterChef, joining food critic Grace Dent for the upcoming series. The show, produced by Shine TV, will air on BBC One and iPlayer this summer, filmed at Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham.
Locatelli, who has served as a judge on MasterChef Italia since 2018, brings over four decades of culinary experience. He earned his first Michelin star in 1999 and a second in 2003, and is known for his bestselling cookbooks and TV appearances including Italy Unpacked and Sicily Unpacked on BBC Two.
“Hosting Celebrity MasterChef alongside Grace is a real honour,” said Locatelli. “I can’t wait for you to see what our celebrity contestants bring to the kitchen, as we are really putting their culinary skills to the test.”
Grace Dent welcomed him, saying: “Giorgio Locatelli is a fabulous addition to our UK Celebrity MasterChef team. I'm a long-time admirer of his work... I couldn't be happier to combine our shared joy, passion, and expertise for food.”
The series will see famous faces compete in the MasterChef kitchen, with the full celebrity lineup to be announced later. The show is commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, with Katy Fryer as Executive Editor and Ryan Daly as Series Producer.
