The BBC's flagship culinary competition, Celebrity MasterChef, is grappling with a significant ratings crisis as it ushers in a new judging panel. The show's 20th series, which began last month, has seen its audience figures plummet dramatically, casting a shadow over the introduction of new permanent judge Grace Dent.
Audience Exodus and Ratings Slump
The latest series, featuring celebrities such as Uma Jammeh, Ashley Cain, Chris Hughes, and Michelle Heaton, launched on November 17. However, it failed to secure a place in Barb's Top 50 programmes for that week. The programme is now struggling to attract more than 1.3 million viewers, with figures fluctuating between 1.2 and 1.4 million.
This represents a stark decline from the previous year, when the show's audience peaked at 2.6 million—meaning it has lost almost a third of its viewership. The show is now significantly outperformed by rival programmes; I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! drew 9.5 million viewers in the same week, while Strictly Come Dancing attracted eight million.
The Scandal and Judge Overhaul
This ratings blow follows the high-profile departures of the show's long-standing hosts, Gregg Wallace and John Torode. Both were axed after a formal BBC investigation. Wallace initially stepped down in November 2024 following allegations he made sexual remarks to colleagues; he denies sexual harassment but admits using inappropriate language. Torode was later dismissed after a report alleged he made a racist remark, which he recorded the current series in March of this year before the findings were released.
Torode is currently appearing in what will be his final series alongside Grace Dent. The BBC has moved swiftly to secure a replacement, with Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli set to join the panel. A source told The Sun: "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." Locatelli is known for his London restaurant, Locanda Locatelli, and previous judging roles on BBC2.
Looking to the Future
The dual scandals and subsequent presenter clear-out have undoubtedly impacted the show's public perception and viewing numbers. John Torode, who had been a presenter for two decades and met his wife Lisa Faulkner on the show, recently admitted to seeking professional help to cope with the "grief" of losing his job.
As the BBC attempts to rebuild Celebrity MasterChef with a fresh judging team of Grace Dent and Giorgio Locatelli, the primary challenge will be to win back the trust and attention of the audience it has lost. The coming months will prove whether this culinary institution can recover from its recent turmoil and restore its place in the competitive weekend television schedule.
