Celebrity MasterChef is back for a brand new series on BBC One, with an all new group of famous faces ready to show off their culinary skills.
The BBC has unveiled the five celebrities taking on the challenge in heat one, as the 21st season welcomes singers, sports stars, actors, authors, comedians, entertainers and presenters, all hoping to become Celebrity MasterChef 2026 Champion.
The first heat is comprised of Emily Campbell, Jason Mohammad, Shakira Khan, Joe Pasquale and Jay McGuiness, all of whom are hoping to take home the iconic Celebrity MasterChef trophy.
Weightlifter and Olympic medallist Emily Campbell has always been a massive fan of the show and has always wanted to be on it.
“I love cooking and love food and really want to challenge myself in the culinary space,” she said. “I’m confident in the kitchen, but there’s a lot I want to know. My good friend Kadeena Cox won the show, and it inspired me to give it a go – we are bonded by food! Life’s too short not to challenge yourself!”
Emily Campbell. BBC/Shine TV
TV and radio presenter Jason Mohammad loves food and is “passionate about feeding people”, with some of his greatest memories in his life being surrounded by food.
He added: “Tables full of food at Eid and feeding and eating with my fellow Muslims at my mosque during Eid celebrations. But also, very special Christmases and birthdays have been memorable because of the food we had. I take a lot of pride in feeding people. I love to see the joy in their faces once I have fed them. I also enjoy being fed.”
Musician, actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner Jay McGuiness is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his bandmates Tom Parker and Max George who previously competed on the show, and he is keen to learn new things and step up to the challenge.
Comedian Joe Pasquale loves a good challenge and being thrown into the deep end, and is a huge fan of the show.
“I really hope to learn something as I’ve always fancied myself as a bit of a chef as I love to experiment but never had the confidence to pursue it,” he said.
Joe Pasquale. BBC/Shine TV
Shakira Khan, best known for appearing on Love Island in 2025, is ready to step out of her comfort zone and learn new recipes.
She said: “I want to make my family proud and show the flavours I grew up with. I also want to prove to myself that I can improve and surprise people.”
Celebrity MasterChef will air on BBC One and iPlayer.
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