Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli has been announced as the newest judge on Celebrity MasterChef, joining award-winning food critic Grace Dent for the upcoming series. The show, produced by Shine TV (part of Banijay UK), will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this summer, filmed at Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham.
Locatelli, who has been 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. The chef, author and TV presenter is known for shows such as Italy Unpacked and Sicily Unpacked on BBC Two.
“Hosting Celebrity MasterChef alongside Grace is a real honour,” Locatelli said. “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 in this series.”
Grace Dent expressed her excitement: “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 is commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC. The celebrities taking part will be announced in due course.
