Celebrity MasterChef 2026: When it starts as first five contestants confirmed by BBC
They are the first crop to head into the kitchenCelebrity MasterChef is returning for a brand new series and the first five budding contestants have been confirmed – so who are they and when does it start?
The popular show is returning with a slew of new famous faces hoping to impress with their culinary talents and a new judging duo.
Five names have already been announced, with the BBC confirming they will take part in Heat 1.
Here’s who they are and what we know about this series, including its start date.
Celebrity MasterChef 2026 contestants: Joe Pasquale
Comedy genius Joe Pasquale is heading into Celebrity MasterChef 2026.
Joe is famed for his high-pitched voice. Over the years, he has fronted his own show The Joe Pasquale Show, performed countless stand-up shows and has appeared in multiple theatre productions.
Joe, 64, won I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2004, but can he win Celebrity MasterChef?
Joe says he is a “huge fan” of the show.
He adds: “I love a good challenge. I don’t like to be in shallow water; I love the deep end. And I love the adrenaline that goes with pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.”
Jay McGuiness heads into the MasterChef kitchen
Jay McGuiness is set to show off his culinary skills in Heat 1 of Celebrity MasterChef 2026.
The star, 36, is best known for being a member of boy band The Wanted. Jay also won the 2015 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
He’s not the first Wanted star to try his luck in the MasterChef kitchen. Jay follows in the footsteps of bandmates Max George and the late Tom Parker.
Jay says: “My bandmates Tom and Max had a great time on the show, and I was so impressed watching them! I like challenges and learning new things. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Jason Mohammad joins Celebrity MasterChef 2026
TV and radio presenter Jason Mohammad says he is “passionate about feeding people”.
The Welsh star, 52, is best known for hosting BBC Wales Today. He’s also hosted for the Beeb for multiple Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games during his career.
Ahead of his Celebrity MasterChef stint, Jason has shared his go-to dish to impress his family and friends.
“To impress guests, I would cook minced lamb kebabs with chilli and salt, coriander chicken curry with basmati rice and then a chocolate torte with ice-cream,” Jason says.
Yum – what time should we be round, Jason?
Emily Campbell signs up
Emily Campbell is heading into the MasterChef kitchen this year.
The 32-year-old is a professional weightlifter and Olympian. She won silver at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024.
Emily is a huge MasterChef fan and is a dab hand in the kitchen. She is also used to knocking up dishes for multiple people.
“I cook as two people, Emily the Athlete, and Emily the person. While I’m training, I have to consume 3,500 calories daily to stay fuelled,” Emily says.
“I find it much easier being the chef for multiple people, not just one. I’m usually the chef on training camps for my athlete friends.”
Shakira Khan takes on Celebrity MasterChef
Shakira Khan is waving the flag for the Love Island alumni. She appeared in the 12th series of the ITV2 reality show last summer.
This year, 23-year-old Shakira has been the co-host of the Love Island companion vodcast, The Debrief.
Shakira describes herself as a “simple cook”. She is hoping to wow the judges with some “sick dishes”.
“My dad is an amazing family cook. He has been tutoring me ahead of the competition, whereas my mum would burn fish fingers,” Shakira admits.
“I learnt about Pakistani heritage from my dad. We ended up fusing cuisines and creating dishes like Keema Spaghetti Bolognese or curried beans on toast.”
Who are the Celebrity MasterChef 2026 judges?
It’s all change for Celebrity MasterChef 2026. The judges have once again been given a reshuffle.
Grace Dent is returning, but there’s a new judge in town. Giorgio Locatelli will be working alongside Grace following the departure of John Torode.
The chef and restaurateur already hosts the Italian version of MasterChef, so he will slot right in.
When does Celebrity MasterChef 2026 start?
The BBC is yet to confirm the exact start date for Celebrity MasterChef 2026.
Last year, the celebs were seen heading into the kitchen in November. However, expect it to start earlier this year.
The broadcaster has confirmed it will be “coming soon” to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
We can pretty much assume it will therefore land this side of autumn. Yippee!
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