BBC Celebrity MasterChef’s new host ‘confirmed’ following John Torode axing

Close up of Grace Dent in the MasterChef studios

Grace Dent is getting a new co-host on Celebrity MasterChef (Image: BBC)

Just over five months after the BBC released John Torode from his MasterChef duties in July this year they appear to have a made a decision about his replacement on Celebrity MasterChef. John featured in the most recent series co-hosting with food critic Grace Dent, who had been brought in to replace Gregg Wallace after he was axed following an investigation into misconduct allegations. The series was filmed before John was let go and it had been unknown if a new presenter would be brought in or if Grace would undertake hosting duties on her own.

Now a source claims Michelin-starred chef and well known TV food judge Giorgio Locatelli is tipped to step into the role. The 62-year-old Italian chef and restaurateur is already familiar to BBC audiences having appeared as a guest, and a judge on BBC2’s Big Family Cooking Showdown as well as fronting Channel 4’s Celebrity Cooking School. He also ran the celeb favourite Michelin-starred restaurant Locanda Locatelli in London’s Marylebone for 22 years before it closed this year.

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“It’s time for a new era for Celebrity MasterChef and bosses think Giorgio is the perfect fit. He has a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry and has plenty of personality,” a source told The Sun.

When contacted by Express.co.uk the BBC declined to comment.

The BBC have already announced both Gregg and John’s replacement for the regular amateur series of MasterChef.

Grace has been confirmed as staying on with the show after proving a hit on the celebrity edition and she will be joined by Irish chef Anna Haugh.

Close up of Giorgio Locatelli at a MasterChef Italy launch

Giorgio Locatelli is being tipped for a presenting role on Celebrity MasterChef (Image: Getty)

In a release after their roles were confirmed, Grace said: “I’m over the moon to be coming back to the MasterChef kitchen and unearthing what culinary skills people have been cooking up behind closed doors. It’s a joy to be working with Anna, who brings all her incredible experience to the table. I am in for such a treat with this series, I can’t wait to get started.”

Anna added, “I’m delighted to be back on MasterChef and judging alongside the wonderful Grace Dent, whose writing and wit I’ve admired for years. MasterChef has long inspired and resonated with cooks in home kitchens and, of course, in my industry. I can’t wait to get into the studio for what will be a great competition.”

Gregg was axed from the BBC after 45 out of 83 complaints made against him were substantiated, whilst John was dropped the following accusations that he used “an extremely offensive racist term”.

In a statement, John indicated he had “no recollection” of the allegation and confirmed that Celebrity MasterChef would be his final series, having been pre-recorded with Grace.