MasterChef's New Judge
Michelin-Starred Chef Giorgio Locatelli Joins Celebrity MasterChef Judging Panel, Bringing 'Bad Cop' Style
BBC has confirmed that Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Giorgio Locatelli will join Grace Dent as a new judge on the next series of Celebrity MasterChef, with the show set to air this summer as the competition’s 21st instalment. Locatelli said he expects to bring a stricter “bad cop” judging style, particularly around cleanliness and organisation, and he described the appeal of working with celebrities and watching them improve through the challenges. While the celebrity contestants have not yet been announced, he revealed that at least one participant stood out for surprising him positively with their dishes. Locatelli announced the news on the Table Manners podcast, where he also contrasted how people from different professions adapt to the time pressures and creativity of the kitchen. His appointment follows the BBC ending John Torode’s role after a complaint about alleged racist language behind the scenes was upheld. The series continues the format of putting celebrity contestants under pressure through judged cooking tasks until one winner takes the trophy.
Key Points
Locatelli is already familiar to UK audiences through the MasterChef franchise, having served as a judge on the Italian version “since 2018.”
BBC said the upcoming Celebrity MasterChef (21st series) has already been filmed, with Locatelli set to join Dent in the broadcast this summer.
Locatelli’s industry credentials are extensive: the chef received his first Michelin star in 1999 and a second in 2003, after a career spanning “four decades.”
Locatelli added extra colour about the contestant who impressed him, saying: “There was somebody who really surprised me a few times in the positive. It was good fun to do, it was really good fun to be with them.”
Following Torode’s exit, a report noted that he “has ‘no recollection of what I’m accused of’,” amid controversy around alleged racist language behind the scenes.
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