Celebrity MasterChef 2025 Unveils Star-Studded Contestants

The BBC has officially announced the lineup for the 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef, featuring a diverse mix of personalities from the music, sports, and entertainment industries. The competition returns this autumn with new judge Grace Dent, who takes over from Gregg Wallace, alongside seasoned host John Torode. This season promises to deliver “five weeks of extraordinary challenges” designed to test the culinary skills and creativity of the 15 participating celebrities.

Contestants will face a series of demanding tasks meant to push their limits beyond their usual showbiz roles. Only one celebrity will emerge victorious to claim the coveted Celebrity MasterChef trophy. The lineup includes notable figures such as:

Alfie Boe OBE: The 52-year-old actor and singer is known for his role as Jean Valjean in *Les Misérables*. Boe has an extensive career on stage, showcasing his talents in productions like *Don Pasquale* and *The Mikado*.

Alun Wyn Jones OBE: At 40, the former rugby union star is celebrated for his contributions to the Ospreys and the Wales national team. His ability to handle pressure on the pitch raises the question of whether he can replicate that success in the kitchen.

Antony Costa: The 44-year-old former member of the boyband Blue hopes to impress both fans and judges alike with his culinary skills, just as he did with his singing abilities.

Ashley Cain: A former football player and television personality, Cain, 35, is also known for his appearances on reality shows like *Ex on the Beach*. He founded The Azaylia Foundation in memory of his daughter, who tragically passed away from leukemia in April 2021.

Chris Hughes: The 32-year-old gained fame on the ITV2 series *Love Island*, where he finished in third place. Hughes has since appeared on various television shows, including *Celebrity Big Brother* and *Tipping Point: Lucky Stars*.

Dawn O’Porter: The 46-year-old presenter has hosted documentaries and written several books, bringing her unique perspective to the competition.

Gaz Choudhry MBE: A former wheelchair basketball player, Choudhry, 40, has represented Great Britain in the Paralympics, securing a bronze medal in both the 2016 Rio Games and the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Ginger Johnson: Known for winning the fifth series of *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK* in 2023, Johnson, 36, has made a name for herself in the entertainment world, appearing in various shows.

Jodi Ounsley: At just 24, Ounsley has played for several rugby teams, including Loughborough Lightning and Sale Sharks Women, and has also appeared on *BBC’s Gladiators*.

Uma Jammeh: A contestant from the eleventh series of *Love Island*, Jammeh, 25, recently got engaged in July, adding another layer of excitement to her participation.

As the series progresses, viewers can expect to witness both culinary triumphs and failures, as the contestants navigate the pressures of the kitchen. Celebrity MasterChef will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, bringing audiences a mix of entertainment and culinary artistry this autumn.