Top chef named as new host of Celebrity Masterchef alongside Grace Dent as show moves on from John Torode
MICHELIN-starred chef and telly food judge Giorgio Locatelli is to host Celebrity MasterChef.
He will replace John Torode, who was axed from the scandal-hit show with co-host Gregg Wallace.
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Giorgio Locatelli is set to host Celebrity MasterChefCredit: Getty – Contributor
He will replace John Torode, who was axed from the show with co-host Gregg WallaceCredit: BBC/Shine TV
Locatelli will host with food critic Grace DentCredit: Instagram
Italian restaurateur Locatelli, 62, previously appeared as a guest, and a judge on BBC2’s Big Family Cooking Showdown.
He ran Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli — a magnet for stars, including pop queen Madonna — in London’s Marylebone for 22 years before it closed this year.
A source said: “It’s time for a new era for Celeb MasterChef and bosses think Giorgio is the perfect fit.
“He has a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry and has plenty of personality.”
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Locatelli will host with food critic Grace Dent, 52. She and Irish chef Anna Haugh, 45, are also set to host the non-celebrity version of the MasterChef show.
Torode, 60, and Wallace, 61, were sacked after a formal investigation upheld allegations about the behaviour of Wallace.
He denies sexual harassment claims but admits using inappropriate language.
The probe also found that Torode used racist language.
He said he could not recollect it and does not believe it happened.
The BBC has declined to comment on Celebrity MasterChef.
