Fans of cooking competitions have plenty to look forward to as Celebrity MasterChef gears up for its long-awaited 20th season on BBC One.
After months of filming and speculation, the BBC has finally revealed the complete line-up of celebrities ready to trade their microphones, rugby boots, and acting scripts for aprons and ladles.
Joining the returning judge John Torode, 60, is new addition Grace Dent, 52, who’s set to bring her sharp wit and culinary expertise to the judging panel.
Together, they’ll be keeping a close eye on 15 celebrities determined to impress them in the kitchen.
High Stakes and Hot Kitchens
According to the BBC, the upcoming series will stretch the celebrities far beyond their comfort zones.
Over five intense weeks, the stars will face a variety of cooking challenges designed to test creativity, patience, and skill.
The statement teased: “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.”
By the end of the season, only one contestant will claim the much-coveted Celebrity MasterChef trophy — and bragging rights as the next big celebrity cook.
The Stage, the Pitch, and the Kitchen — Meet the Contestants
From pop stars to athletes, this year’s line-up is one of the most diverse yet.
Each celebrity brings a unique story — but only one will prove they can handle the heat of the MasterChef kitchen.
Alfie Boe OBE
The 52-year-old actor and tenor, loved for his iconic portrayal of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, is no stranger to performing under pressure.
Known for his appearances in Don Pasquale, Kismet, and The Mikado, Alfie now faces a new kind of stage — the kitchen.
Alun Wyn Jones OBE
Rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones, 40, who earned fame with the Ospreys and Wales national team, is trading the rugby pitch for the cooking arena.
Fans are eager to see if his fierce determination on the field will translate into culinary success.
Antony Costa
Best known as a member of boyband Blue alongside Simon Webbe, Duncan James, and Lee Ryan, the 44-year-old singer is ready to show off his skills beyond the microphone.
Antony hopes his cooking can hit the right notes just like his music career.
Ashley Cain
At 35, former footballer and TV personality Ashley Cain brings both heart and grit to the competition.
A familiar face from Ex on the Beach and The Challenge, he also founded The Azaylia Foundation in memory of his late daughter, Azaylia Diamond.
His strength and resilience may serve him well in the MasterChef kitchen.
Chris Hughes
Since his Love Island days in 2017, Chris Hughes, 32, has become a regular on British television.
From Celebrity Hunted to Tipping Point: Lucky Stars and Celebrity Big Brother, Chris has done it all.
Now a horse racing presenter for Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival, he’ll see if he can race to victory in the kitchen too.
Dawn O’Porter
Author and documentary maker Dawn O’Porter, 46, is no stranger to tough projects.
Having tackled serious topics in shows like My Breasts Could Kill Me and Super Slim Me, as well as written bestselling books like So Lucky and Cat Lady, Dawn brings her creative flair to the culinary challenge.
Gaz Choudhry MBE
A Paralympian and basketball powerhouse, Gaz Choudhry, 40, is celebrated for his bronze medal wins in both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Games.
Now, he’s determined to score big in the kitchen instead of on the court.
Ginger Johnson
Known offstage as Donald Marshall, 36-year-old RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 5 winner Ginger Johnson brings charisma and creativity wherever she goes.
With performances in Good Clean Fun and Angels of the North, Ginger’s personality is bound to light up the MasterChef kitchen.
Jaki Graham
A music legend since the 1970s, Jaki Graham, 56, gave the world hits like Could It Be I’m Falling in Love and Ain’t Nobody.
Now she’s bringing her soulful energy into the culinary world to prove that her talents extend beyond the stage.
Jamie Lomas
Soap fans will instantly recognise Jamie Lomas, 50, best known for his long-running role as Warren Fox in Hollyoaks and Jake Stone in EastEnders.
Having survived countless fictional dramas, Jamie will need that same resilience to tackle real-life kitchen chaos.
Jodie Ounsley
At just 24, Jodie Ounsley is already a powerhouse.
The former rugby union player for Exeter Chiefs Women and BBC’s Gladiators star (known as “Fury”) brings athletic precision and discipline that could make her a serious contender.
Katie McGlynn
Soap actress Katie McGlynn, 32, captured hearts as Sinead Tinker in Coronation Street.
After stints in Hollyoaks and Strictly Come Dancing, she’s now swapping scripts for saucepans in hopes of impressing the judges.
Michelle Heaton
A household name since her Liberty X days, Michelle Heaton, 46, has shown her competitive streak on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and Come Dine With Me.
Her fans can’t wait to see if her determination will earn her the top spot in this culinary showdown.
Noreen Khan
Radio presenter Noreen Khan, 36, is a multi-talented entertainer who’s hosted Back in Time and The Fizzy Quiz Show.
When she’s not behind a microphone, she’s a certified yoga teacher — so calmness under pressure might be her secret weapon.
Uma Jammeh
At just 25, Love Island star Uma Jammeh brings youthful charm and confidence to the line-up.
She found love with Wil Anderson on the show, and the pair recently got engaged — but now, she’ll be looking to win over a very different audience.
A Sizzling Season Ahead
With this diverse mix of singers, athletes, TV personalities, and actors, the 20th season of Celebrity MasterChef promises drama, laughter, and plenty of unexpected culinary triumphs.
One thing’s for sure — only the most determined will rise above the pressure and earn the coveted trophy.