BBC Celebrity MasterChef fans split over John Torode replacement as series returns with new hosts: ‘S***E!’
BBC viewers were left divided by the new and different-looking series of Celebrity MasterChef, the first to air without both previous hosts after John Torode’s axe.
The series made its comeback on Tuesday evening with Michelin-starred Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli, 63, stepping in as the programme’s new judge alongside Grace Dent.
Mr Locatelli’s arrival follows the departure of both previous hosts, Mr Torode and Gregg Wallace.
Mr Torode was dismissed by the corporation last year after a two-decade stint on the show, following allegations that he used the N-word during a work social event.
Grace Dent, Giorgio Locatelli and Seema Pankhania
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BBC
Mr Wallace had already been removed from the programme a year before that.
“Let me introduce one of my favourite chefs from Italy and our new MasterChef judge, Giorgio Locatelli,” Ms Dent announced as the series launched.
The revamped series introduced several notable changes to its structure.
Contestants were first tasked with preparing a personal dish, then participated in a tasting game, before attempting to replicate Mr Locatelli’s gnocchi recipe in a cook-along challenge.
Giorgio Locatelli made his debut as MasterChef presenter
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BBC
Mr Locatelli featured prominently in the opening episode, guiding the celebrities through his gnocchi demonstration.
The first round of competitors comprised comedian Joe Pasquale, Love Island’s Shakira Khan, Olympic weightlifter Emily Campbell, The Wanted singer Jay McGuinness, and BBC presenter Jason Mohammad.
Despite enthusiasm from contestants for the fresh pairing, some viewers expressed nostalgia for the former judging duo, sparking a divided response across social media.
One X user bluntly declared: “They’ve turned UK #celebrityMasterchef into Americanised TV s***e.” (sic)
John Torode and Gregg Wallace were both sacked from their roles on MasterChef | BBCOthers questioned whether the new judge’s approach suited the celebrity format. “Has anyone told Giorgio he’s on #CelebrityMasterChef and not the normal MasterChef professional show?” wrote another viewer.
The celebrity lineup also drew criticism, with one user posting: “I know two of these celebrities but haven’t heard of the others #MasterChefUK #CelebrityMasterChef.”
One more penned: “Ok not loving #giorgiolocatelli jumping on the celebrity chef bandwagon #celebritymasterchef.”
Yet plenty of viewers took to X to express their approval of the refreshed programme. “@BBCOne Enjoying the new #CelebrityMasterChef Grace and Giorgio are fab!” one enthusiastic post read.
Grace Dent and Giorgio Locatelli have replaced Gregg Wallace and John Torode
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BBC
Another praised both the new judge and the restructured competition, writing: “#CelebrityMasterchef Enjoyed that very much.
“Giorgio is an excellent addition & a good variety of challenges and actual cooking.”
The on-screen dynamic between the two hosts also won admirers, with one adding: “Grace and Gioiorgioio are more fun than John and Greg.
“Should be a fun series. #CelebrityMasterChef.” (sic)
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