Celebrity MasterChef 2025: A New Era for the Beloved Cooking Competition
Introduction: A Landmark Series Amid Transformation
Celebrity MasterChef is back with a bang for its milestone 20th series, returning to BBC One and BBC iPlayer with promises of five weeks of kitchen chaos. This year’s edition holds particular significance as it marks a transitional period for the beloved franchise. Celebrity MasterChef returned to BBC One on Monday, November 17, 2025, airing at 9pm for one hour. The series represents both a celebration of two decades of celebrity culinary competition and a new chapter following significant changes to the judging panel.
New Judging Panel and Behind-the-Scenes Changes
The 2025 series introduces notable changes to the familiar format. Filmed earlier this year, the new series welcomes returning judge John Torode alongside newcomer Grace Dent, who steps into the role for 2025. This change follows a turbulent period for the franchise. In December 2024, it was revealed that Wallace had temporarily been replaced with food critic Grace Dent for the following year’s celebrity series. The various cooking challenges aim to impress the judges Grace Dent and John Torode, who’ll leave the series after this season.
Star-Studded Contestant Lineup
Celebrity MasterChef is back with 15 new celebrities going head-to-head in the kitchen, representing a fresh crop of famous faces from across the showbiz world. The diverse lineup includes musical legends, sports icons, and television favourites. Stepping up to the plate this week is comedian Noreen Khan, reality TV star and documentary maker Ashley Cain, singer Alfie Boe, former rugby union player Alun Wyn Jones, and Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley. Additional contestants include Paralympian and actor Gaz Choudhry MBE, drag superstar Ginger Johnson, soul legend Jaki Graham, Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas, Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley, Coronation Street’s Katie McGlynn, Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton, comedian Noreen Khan, and TV personality Uma Jammeh.
Conclusion: What This Series Means for Viewers
This year, the competition is set to be fiercer – and more fabulous – than ever, with the class of 2025 representing a wild mix of music icons, actors, sports stars and TV favourites, all desperate to impress the judges. For viewers, this series offers both nostalgia and novelty—celebrating 20 years of celebrity cooking while ushering in a new era with fresh judging talent. As the franchise navigates significant transformation, audiences can expect the same culinary drama and entertainment that has made Celebrity MasterChef a staple of British television, whilst witnessing the evolution of this beloved format for future series.