Top Michelin-Starred Chef Set to Join Grace Dent as New Celebrity MasterChef Host
Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli is reportedly set to join Celebrity MasterChef as its newest host, marking a major shake-up for the long-running BBC cooking series following the axing of John Torode.
The 62-year-old Italian chef is said to be stepping into the role alongside food critic and broadcaster Grace Dent, who has recently been confirmed as a key figure in the MasterChef franchise moving forward.
A New Era for MasterChef
According to The Sun, BBC bosses are keen to usher in a fresh chapter for the show after a turbulent period behind the scenes.
A source said:
“It’s time for a new era, and bosses think Giorgio is the perfect fit.
He has a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry and plenty of personality — exactly what the show needs right now.”
Locatelli is no stranger to television audiences. He has previously appeared as a guest judge on BBC Two’s Big Family Cooking Showdown and fronted Channel 4’s Celeb Cooking School, earning a reputation for being both authoritative and warmly engaging on screen.
From Michelin Stardom to Prime-Time TV
Giorgio and his wife Plaxy opened Locanda Locatelli in London’s Marylebone in 2002, housed inside the Hyatt Regency – The Churchill on Seymour Street. Just one year later, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star.
For more than two decades, the restaurant was regarded as one of London’s finest — and most expensive — Italian dining destinations, with main courses typically priced between £30 and £50.
The sleek David Collins–designed dining room attracted a glittering list of A-list guests over the years, including Madonna, Kate Winslet, Brad Pitt and former US president Bill Clinton.
The restaurant closed its doors in January after 22 years, freeing Locatelli to focus more heavily on television projects.
Grace Dent’s New Co-Host Line-Up
Locatelli is expected to join Grace Dent, 52, on Celebrity MasterChef, while Dent will also front the non-celebrity version of the show alongside Irish chef Anna Haugh, 45.
The refreshed presenting line-up signals a deliberate move by the BBC to reposition MasterChef following recent controversy.
Why John Torode Was Axed
John Torode was dropped from MasterChef after an internal report into co-host Gregg Wallace found Wallace had used what was described as an “extremely offensive racist term.”
Torode addressed the issue in a social media statement, insisting he had “no recollection” of the incident and did not believe it had occurred. Despite this, production company Banijay UK confirmed it would not renew his contract.
It has been alleged by a source close to Torode that the term was used during drinks after filming, that he apologised immediately, and that it was not intended as a slur. No formal complaint was made at the time, but the incident later emerged during the wider inquiry into Wallace.
Gregg Wallace has denied sexual harassment allegations but has admitted to using inappropriate language.
What Happens Next
While neither the BBC nor Giorgio Locatelli has officially confirmed the appointment, insiders suggest the deal is close to being finalised — with filming schedules already being discussed.
If confirmed, Locatelli’s appointment would represent one of the most significant changes in MasterChef’s history, pairing Michelin-star pedigree with Grace Dent’s sharp culinary insight as the show attempts to rebuild trust and momentum.
A representative for Giorgio Locatelli and the BBC have been contacted for comment.