The new series of the hit BBC show has already been filmed and will see the 63-year-old join Grace on judging duties. He had previously served as a judge on the Italian version of the amateur show.
John and his on-screen partner Gregg Wallace were both sacked from the show after 21 years in July last year. In John’s case, the BBC upheld a complaint he had used “an extremely offensive racist term” during production, which he has always denied.
Speaking about joining the show, Giorgio told the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware: “I think I was a bad cop. I’m strict. Strict about cleanliness and organisation. Those little skills that you teach them slowly.
“We’re working with celebrities which is different from working with people who wanted to be a chef, but still, you can really see them growing in what they do, and so this is the thing that interests me more on the whole experience.”
Grace added of her co-star: “Giorgio Locatelli is a fabulous addition to our UK Celebrity MasterChef team. I’m a long-time admirer of his work and was a huge fan of Locanda Locatelli; for many years, it was one of my happy places to eat.
“I couldn’t be happier to combine our shared joy, passion, and expertise for food. I also love an opportunity to serve up a heavy dose of glamour in the MasterChef kitchen, and I have a feeling Giorgio is going to give me a real run for my money.”
In a statement last year, the BBC confirmed John’s contract wouldn’t be renewed.
At the time, bosses said: “This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace – was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin.
“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”
Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola won Celebrity MasterChef in 2024 and Ginger Johnson, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner, took home the BBC title in 2025.
John’s last episode of the show was in December 2025, where fans noted he had tears in his eyes on tasting one of the final dishes.
