Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off will fill the void now the 2025 series has ended - but when is it on?
Dry your eyes, Celebrity MasterChef is back sooner than you think!Celebrity MasterChef is not completely over for 2025 thanks to the Christmas Cook Off – and here’s when it is on.
The BBC has roped in four more celebrities to take part in the festive special, meaning we don’t have to cry into our aprons just yet.
This time, the budding chefs will be battling it out for the coveted Golden Whisk. The stakes are high, eh?!
Here’s who is in the Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off and when it is on the BBC.
Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off: Who is taking part?
There are four famous faces heading into the Celebrity MasterChef kitchen for the Christmas Cook Off.
GK Barry is one of this year’s budding chefs. The social media star became a household name last year when she starred in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here.
Since then, GK – real name Grace Eleanor Keeling – has gone on to star as a panellist on ITV’s Loose Women. She has also interviewed an array of celebrities on her podcast, Saving Grace.
GK is in a relationship with professional women’s footballer, Ella Rutherford.
Iain Stirling, is also heading into the Christmas MasterChef kitchen. Iain is best known for his witty commentary on the ITV2 reality show, Love Island.
The Scots-born star began his career as a stand-up comedian before moving into TV. He is married to Irish TV presenter, Laura Whitmore. They have one child together.
BBC disability correspondent and TV presenter Nikki Fox is also taking part. Nikki regularly appears on BBC’s Watchdog and The One Show as an advocate for inclusion and disability awareness.
Nikki is a recent newlywed. She married her long-time partner Dave in June this year.
Kola Bokinni, 33, completes the line-up. Ted Lasso fans will definitely recognise him! The actor played Isaac McAdoo, the captain of AFC Richmond, in the Apple TV+ series.
Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off: Who are the judges?
John Torode and Grace Dent will be back for the Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off.
The judges have already presided together over the entire 2025 series, which has come to an end tonight, so we will be happy to see them back.
Heads up, Grace will be looking ravishing in blue sequins while judging in the festive kitchen!
Grace, a restaurant critic and food writer, was announced as Gregg Wallace’s replacement in December 2024. But from next year, Grace will co-host Celebrity MasterChef with Michelin star chef Giorgio Locatelli, after the BBC also dropped John.
Grace will also be fronting the civilian MasterChef, but with chef Anne Haugh.
Santa Mystery Box and a Christmas dinner
The celebrities will be set two challenges in the MasterChef Christmas Cook Off.
First, they will be faced with the Secret Santa Mystery Box. Each contestant will be handed a gift containing a recipe and all the ingredients needed for it.
It is hoped the foursome will all produce a festive masterpiece by following the instructions to a tee, as a very special guest judge will be sampling the dishes. Last year’s Celebrity MasterChef judge, Strictly Come Dancing pro Vito Coppola, will be helping Grace and John to pick their favourite!
GK, Iain, Nikki and Kola will then be challenged by John and Grace cook the ultimate Christmas dinner. They are given two hours to whip up two courses – and they need to pull out all the stops.
Bells and whistles are required!
Once John and Grace have sampled their plates, they will crown this year’s Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Champion 2025. We can’t wait to find out who will walk away with the Golden Whisk this year.
Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off: When it is on
Good news, folks. You really don’t have long to wait for the Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off.
The festive special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Monday December 22, 2025. The show starts at 8pm and is on for an hour, with an end time of 9pm.
This is one Christmas party we won’t be missing!
Read more: Celebrity MasterChef 2025: Viewers ‘work out’ who won the show after spotting big ‘clue’
