Celebrity MasterChef 2025: New Era Begins with Grace Dent and Star-Studded Line-Up

Introduction: A Milestone Series with Major Changes

Celebrity MasterChef returned to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn for its 20th series, recorded earlier in the year with new 2025 judge Grace Dent and John Torode. This landmark season marks a significant turning point for the beloved cooking competition, as 51-year-old Dent was confirmed as taking the role over from Gregg Wallace, 60, back in December. The series represents not only a celebratory milestone but also a fresh chapter following major judging changes that have reshaped the show’s future.

The Star-Studded 2025 Line-Up

This 20th series warmly welcomes singers and sports stars, actors and authors, comedians, entertainers, and presenters, all to cook their way to becoming Celebrity MasterChef 2025 Champion. 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 OBE, and Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley. Other notable contestants include Love Island’s Chris Hughes and Uma Jammeh, actress Katie McGlynn, and pop star Antony Costa from Blue.

The Challenges Ahead

Five weeks of extraordinary challenges await, where the judges will oversee this culinary competition that will push the 15 celebrities beyond the comfort of their showbiz jobs. Acting the part won’t cut the mustard, and singing for your supper will not equal success. The only thing guaranteed is that just one of them will be left standing at the end, where their sparkling career will lead them to the shiny prize – the iconic Celebrity MasterChef trophy. The competition features traditional MasterChef challenges including the return of the secret ingredient cloche test and the notorious street food market challenge.

Judging Changes and Future Direction

John Torode, who has been at the helm of Masterchef since 2005, will be turning up the heat on the celebrities competing. However, it will be the 60-year-old’s final appearance on the popular BBC series. Looking ahead, Grace Dent and Anna Haugh would be the new presenters of MasterChef. Haugh appears alongside Torode in the final episodes of the 2025 series, before the pair debut together from 2026.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Culinary Excellence

Celebrity MasterChef 2025 represents both a celebration of the show’s 20-year legacy and a bold step forward into a new era. As 15 famous faces battle for the coveted trophy under Grace Dent’s fresh judging perspective, viewers can expect the same high-stakes culinary drama that has made the series a British television staple. Strictly’s Vito Coppola is the reigning Celebrity MasterChef champ. He won the 19th series last year, beating Craig Doyle and Rochenda Sandall in the finale. With the competition heating up and only one champion to be crowned, this historic series promises unforgettable moments as celebrities push their cooking skills to the absolute limit.