Giorgio Locatelli linked to Celebrity MasterChef role
Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli is reported to be in line to join Celebrity MasterChef as a new host, alongside food critic and broadcaster Grace Dent, as the BBC continues to reshape the long-running series.
According to reports in The Sun, the Italian chef has emerged as a leading candidate to front the celebrity edition of the show following the departure of John Torode and Gregg Wallace. The BBC has not confirmed the appointment.
About Giorgio
Growing up in the town of Corgeno in northern Italy, he moved to London in the 1980s, honing his skills at The Savoy Hotel.
After working in some of the most admired kitchens in France, he returned to London, earning his first Michelin star at Zafferano in 1999.
In 2002, Giorgio and his wife Plaxy opened their first restaurant, Locanda Locatelli, which became the benchmark for Italian cuisine in London and maintained its Michelin star for over two decades until closing earlier this year.
A familiar television presence
Giorgio is best known as the chef-patron of London restaurant Locanda Locatelli and has been a prominent figure in British food culture for more than two decades. He has previously appeared as a judge on BBC cooking formats and has featured regularly across food and travel programming.
His reported involvement would represent his most prominent presenting role to date within the MasterChef franchise.
MasterChef franchise in transition
The reported move comes amid a period of significant change for MasterChef. John and Gregg both stepped away from the programme earlier this year following an internal investigation into workplace conduct.
Gregg denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour but acknowledged that some language used in the past was inappropriate.
Grace Dent’s expanding role
Grace Dent joined MasterChef earlier this year and has since become an established on-screen presence. The Guardian restaurant critic and broadcaster has also been confirmed as part of the presenting team for future MasterChef formats, bringing a food-led editorial voice to the programme.
Known for her sharp wit and restaurant criticism, she is expected to bring both humour and rigour to the kitchen.
In 2024, John said: “I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges. Expertise is what MasterChef is all about, from the contestants to our wonderful production team, to us as judges.
"The love of food, the love of MasterChef, and that unquestionable expertise, makes Grace the perfect person to step in alongside me as judge for the forthcoming Celebrity MasterChef series.”
At the time of her appointment, MasterChef executive editor, David Ambler, said: “Grace’s expertise, wit and finely honed palate will be a great asset to the judging lineup and the celebrities will need to be sitting up straight for this series. We’re looking forward to welcoming Grace back in 2025 as we uncover a new Celebrity MasterChef champion.”
She said: “Cooking has always been about passion, chaos and a bit of bravery. I’m excited to see what this year’s line-up brings - and who has the nerve to plate something truly memorable.”
Read more: Grace Dent to replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef
Her reported pairing with Giorgio would combine professional kitchen experience with critical and broadcast expertise.
written by abi kinsella
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Giorgio Locatelli linked to Celebrity MasterChef role
