Who's Back on Celebrity MasterChef 2025?
Celebrity MasterChef Returns with a New Line-Up
Celebrity MasterChef is back for another season, with Grace Dent and John Torode leading the way. This year’s competition features fifteen well-known personalities ready to prove their culinary skills in the kitchen.
The BBC reality series has recently faced some challenges after former co-hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace were removed from their roles following an independent inquiry. Wallace had 45 out of 83 allegations upheld against him, including an instance of unwanted physical contact, while an accusation of Torode using racial language was also substantiated. Despite these changes, the show continues with new hosts, Anna Haugh and Grace Dent, who will take the reins going forward. Meanwhile, there is still pre-recorded content featuring Torode, which includes this upcoming season of Celebrity MasterChef, marking one of his final appearances on the show.
The competition will return on Monday, November 17, and fans are eager to see who will take home the chef’s hat. With last year’s winner, Strictly pro Vito Coppola, setting a high bar, the contestants are ready to bring their A-game.
The Contestants
Alfie Boe OBE
English actor and singer Alfie Boe is bringing his talents to the small screen. Known for his work on the West End, he is currently starring as Jean Valjean in a national tour of Les Misérables. In addition to his acting career, he has released several studio albums, including his latest, Together At Home with Michael Ball. He received an OBE in 2019 for his services to music and charity.
Alun Wyn Jones OBE
Welsh former rugby union player Alun Wyn Jones, 40, is swapping the field for a set of stoves. As the most capped rugby player in history, he knows a thing or two about success. Recently appointed honorary colonel of 3rd Battalion, the Royal Welsh by King Charles III, it remains to be seen if he brings a military-like discipline to the kitchen.
Antony Costa
Antony Costa, a former member of the boy band Blue, is joining the competition. The 44-year-old singer-songwriter has also dabbled in acting, starring in stage shows like Mamma Mia! The Party. Fans will be curious to see if his talents extend to perfecting a dauphinoise potatoes.
Ashley Cain
Former footballer turned TV personality Ashley Cain is making his mark on the show. After retiring from football, he has been presenting TV shows, including Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone, where he explored dangerous locations around the world.
Chris Hughes
Chris Hughes, a Love Island star, is returning to the reality TV circuit. Known for his unexpected love story with JoJo Siwa, he is now looking to stir up excitement with his cooking skills.
Dawn O’Porter
Scottish writer and presenter Dawn O’Porter is coming in strong. Known for documentaries like Super Slim Me and My Breasts Could Kill Me, she recently opened up about her financial struggles, working “pay cheque to pay cheque.”
Gaz Choudhry MBE
Retired Team GB Paralympian Gaz Choudhry MBE is taking on his biggest challenge yet – the MasterChef kitchen. A well-known name in wheelchair basketball, he has also ventured into acting, starring in Apple TV thriller Extrapolations.
Ginger Johnson
Drag queen Ginger Johnson, who won Drag Race UK season five, is making her debut on Celebrity MasterChef. Known for her entertaining performances at Sink The Pink, she is ready to take on the challenge.
Jaki Graham
Singer Jaki Graham, known for hits like Could It Be I’m Falling in Love, is stepping into the kitchen. She has achieved numerous milestones, including becoming the first black British female solo artist to have six consecutive Top 10/20 hits.
Jamie Lomas
Jamie Lomas, known for his roles in Hollyoaks and EastEnders, is joining the competition. A source revealed that he is quite good in the kitchen and very competitive.
Jodie Ounsley
Jodie Ounsley, known as Fury from Gladiators, is trading her battle for the pressure cooker. Before her time on Gladiators, she was a rugby player.
Katie McGlynn
Katie McGlynn, known for her roles in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road, is also joining the line-up. She is currently starring in the onstage thriller Murder at Midnight.
Michelle Heaton
Michelle Heaton, a Liberty X hitmaker, is hoping to replicate her career success in the kitchen. She has been open about her journey to sobriety and how it has improved her performance.
Noreen Khan
TV host and comedian Noreen Khan is making her appearance. Known for presenting shows like Countdown and Celebrity Antiques Road Show, she has a diverse career.
Uma Jammeh
Uma Jammeh, an online content creator with 420k followers on TikTok, is making her reality TV debut. She gained fame as part of Love Island Season 11.
Celebrity MasterChef returns to BBC One on Monday, November 17 at 8pm.
