Giorgio Locatelli tipped to replace John Torode on Celebrity MasterChef after BBC exit

Mr Torode was removed from the show after a BBC investigation concluded he had used racist language, bringing his two-decade tenure to an abrupt end.

A source told The Sun that producers believe the shake-up marks “a new era” for Celebrity MasterChef, adding Locatelli is viewed as “the perfect fit” thanks to his experience and on-screen personality.

The insider added that the chef brings “a wealth of knowledge from the restaurant world” and has already proven himself as a television presence.

Mr Locatelli is no stranger to BBC viewers, having previously served as a judge on BBC Two’s Big Family Cooking Showdown, as well as fronting Channel 4’s Celebrity Cooking School.

His culinary reputation was forged at Locanda Locatelli, the acclaimed Italian restaurant he opened with his wife Plaxy in 2002 at the Hyatt Regency The Churchill in central London.

The venue earned a Michelin star within a year of opening and went on to become one of the capital’s most celebrated Italian dining destinations.

During its 22-year run before closing in January, the restaurant attracted a host of high-profile diners, including Madonna, Kate Winslet, Brad Pitt and Bill Clinton.

It was also known for its premium pricing, with main courses typically costing between £30 and £50.

Mr Torode’s departure followed a wider investigation into his co-host Gregg Wallace, during which the BBC found that Torode had used an “extremely offensive racist term” on two occasions while working for the corporation.

The 60-year-old presenter acknowledged the finding on social media but said he had “no recollection” of the incident and did not believe it had taken place.

A source close to Mr Torode later claimed the language was allegedly used during drinks after filming, adding that he apologised immediately and was “mortified”.

They also said the term was not intended as a slur and that no complaint was made at the time, with the issue only coming to light during Wallace’s inquiry.

Production company Banijay UK subsequently chose not to renew Torode’s contract.

Mr Wallace, 61, was dismissed separately after a BBC investigation upheld 45 allegations of misconduct, including inappropriate language and humour.

He has denied sexual harassment claims but admitted to using inappropriate language, and has since launched High Court proceedings against the BBC and BBC Studios Distribution.

Mr Wallace is seeking up to £10,000 in damages for alleged distress and harassment, a claim the BBC has strongly denied.

In legal documents, the broadcaster argued that Mr Wallace had suffered no such distress, with barrister Jason Pobjoy KC stating that he was not entitled to “any damages, interest or other relief”.

Court papers also indicate Mr Wallace did not give prior notice of his intention to pursue legal action.

Mr Torode has since spoken about the emotional impact of his dismissal, revealing in his online newsletter A View From The Fridge that he has been undergoing therapy to cope with feelings of grief.

“Life has changed forever for me and for those close to me,” he wrote, adding that he was not seeking sympathy but offering “just honesty”.

He also described a recent solo work trip to Qatar as “cathartic but tough”, reflecting on confronting his emotions without his wife, actress and chef Lisa Faulkner, by his side.

Despite the controversy, Torode continues to have supporters within the industry.

Grace Dent previously told the Sunday Times: “I absolutely adore John Torode. He is one of the kindest, most concerned, clever, thoughtful men that I know.”

GB News has approached the BBC for comment.

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