Giorgio Locatelli has been confirmed as the new Celebrity MasterChef judge, joining Grace Dent following the departures of long-serving hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
The Michelin-starred chef's appointment was announced by the BBC on Wednesday, as a first-look image of Mr Locatelli and Ms Dent was shared by the show's social media channels.
The caption of the X post confirming the news read: "Coming to your screens this summer... Your new #CelebrityMasterChef judges."
Mr Locatelli's appointment comes after Mr Torode, who presented the cooking show from 2005 until 2025, was dismissed by the broadcaster after an investigation upheld an allegation that he had used racist language.
John Torode was sacked from the cooking show after nearly 20 years in the presenting role
| BBCMr Torode denied the allegation, saying he had no recollection of the alleged incident and did not believe it had occurred.
Mr Wallace was also removed from MasterChef after an extensive independent investigation into misconduct allegations.
His departure came just one day before Mr Torode's exit from the programme.
Mr Wallace strongly denied the vast majority of the allegations made against him.
Giorgio Locatelli will join co-host Grace Dent for the next season of Master Chef
|GETTY
Now, the announcement that Mr Locatelli is the man tasked with replacing Mr Torode has divided viewers.
One social media user responded on X: "I'm sorry, who is he?"
Another added: "No thanks! Stopped watching. New judges are absolutely awful."
A third suggested the BBC had missed an opportunity, writing: "Not knocking this guy, but the most popular series from a country other than the UK is the Australian version, and I feel this could have been a great opportunity for one of them. The Australian series is far superior to the others."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Coming to your screens this summer...
— MasterChef UK 🍴 (@MasterChefUK) June 3, 2026
Your new #CelebrityMasterChef judges ⭐️#MasterChef #MasterChefUK pic.twitter.com/rkcKiXfBSN
One viewer predicted that "the show will be axed in no time".
Despite the criticism, many members of the MasterChef fandom welcomed the news.
One supporter argued: "Think Giorgio will be great on MasterChef, good luck to him."
And another countered the naysayers about his appointment as they penned: "I think he is better."
A third added: "I like Giorgio so I'm happy with that."
Others praised the food critic's continued involvement, with one viewer commenting: "Love Grace and Anna!! Read Grace's autobiography last month, she's fabulous!!"
Another simply posted: "Love Grace."
Mr Locatelli's appointment marks another significant chapter for the franchise as the BBC seeks to move forward following months of controversy surrounding the MasterChef brand.
Gregg Wallace denied the majority of the accusations against him
|GETTY
The Italian chef is already a familiar face to audiences, having served as a judge on MasterChef Italia since 2018.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has earned widespread acclaim as a restaurateur, author and television presenter, receiving his first Michelin star in 1999 before securing a second in 2003.
Speaking about joining the programme, Mr Locatelli said: "Hosting Celebrity MasterChef alongside Grace is a real honour.
"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."
Ms Dent also welcomed her new co-star, saying she was a "long-time admirer" of his work and praising the "joy, passion, and expertise" he will bring to the kitchen.