Celebrity MasterChef returned Tuesday evening with new host Giorgio Locatelli at the helm, marking his debut on the BBC show following the departure of axed host John Torode. Locatelli, a Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, joins co-host Grace Dent for the new series. The first episode featured comedian Joe Pasquale, Love Island star Shakira Khan, Olympian Emily Campbell, singer Jay McGuinness, and TV presenter Jason Mohammad competing in the kitchen. Locatelli guided the celebrity contestants through a cookalong focused on making gnocchi.
Despite the fresh start, many viewers took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice their feelings, with a significant number expressing that they "still miss" original hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace. Wallace was also removed from the show prior to this season. "I still miss John and unfortunately Gregg but still love Grace," one viewer wrote, while another commented, "Am sorry but this show is nothing without these two.." Some viewers questioned Locatelli's suitability, with one user writing, "Not sure about Giorgio as a presenter, Grace is carrying it." Another humorously remarked, "Is that just John torode just talking with an Italian accent!?" Some also felt Locatelli's expectations of the celebrity contestants were too high, suggesting he was treating it like a professional competition.
However, the new host also garnered positive feedback. "Well I have to say I’m liking Giorgio!" one fan posted, with another agreeing, "I like this new Master Chef judge." Some viewers appreciated the format change, comparing it to MasterChef Australia, and expressed enthusiasm for the new presenting duo. "Loving the duo of Grace and Giorgio on #CelebrityMasterchef such a refreshing presentation these days, will start watching again," a user shared, while another stated, "Grace and Gioiorgioio are more fun than John and Greg. Should be a fun series."
Torode, 60, was removed from his hosting role in July 2025 after two decades with the BBC, following allegations of using the N-word during a work event. In the same month, Gregg Wallace was dismissed amid allegations of making 'sexual comments' to 13 colleagues. Wallace denied the claims, stating on social media that he had been cleared of "the most serious and sensational accusations." Torode admitted to being accused of misconduct but denied any wrongdoing, expressing shock at the racial language allegation. Grace Dent had previously replaced Wallace on the celebrity series the previous year. The BBC announced in September that Dent and chef Anna Haugh would be judges for the current series.