{"id":2519021,"date":"2026-07-27T13:35:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T13:35:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2519021"},"modified":"2026-07-27T13:35:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T13:35:02","slug":"the-celebrity-masterchef-2026-lineup-the-first-contestants-are-here-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/the-celebrity-masterchef-2026-lineup-the-first-contestants-are-here-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Celebrity Masterchef 2026 lineup: The first contestants are here"},"content":{"rendered":"

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One of our TV highlights of the year is always Celebrity Masterchef and this year’s there’s a major shakeup heading our way. The 21st season (yes 21 seasons!) will see Grace Dent return with brand new judge Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli as they put a number of famous faces through their culinary paces <\/p>\n

And now the BBC has confirmed the first five celebrities taking place in this year’s competition in the first heat of the season. They’ll all be competing through a series of challenges to be crowned this year’s winner and be the one to raise the Masterchef trophy. <\/p>\n

Here’s the celebrities taking place in Celebrity Masterchef season 21.<\/p>\n

The Celebrity Masterchef season 21 cast<\/h2>\n

Shakira Khan – Heat 1<\/h2>\n
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Age:<\/strong> 23<\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> @shakirakhan16<\/a><\/p>\n

Famous for: <\/strong>Television personality and runner-up of Love Island<\/a> series 12<\/p>\n

What has she said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: <\/strong>“<\/strong>I\u2019m always up for a challenge and I love cooking, but I\u2019m a simple cook. I\u2019m good but I want to go out of my comfort zone and learn \u2018sick recipes\u2019, it will be fun. 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.”<\/p>\n

Emily Campbell – Heat 1 <\/h2>\n
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Age:<\/strong> 32<\/p>\n

Instagram: <\/strong>@emilycampbell<\/a><\/p>\n

Famous for:<\/strong> Weightlifter & Olympic Medallist\u202f<\/p>\n

What has she said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: <\/strong>“I\u2019ve always been a massive fan of the show and always wanted to be on it! I love cooking and love food and really want to challenge myself in the culinary space. I\u2019m confident in the kitchen, but there\u2019s 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\u2019s too short not to challenge yourself!”<\/p>\n

Jason Mohammad – Heat 1 <\/h2>\n
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Age:<\/strong> 52 <\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> @mrjasonmohammad<\/a><\/p>\n

Famous for:<\/strong> TV & Radio presenter<\/p>\n

What has he said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: <\/strong>“I love food and I\u2019m passionate about feeding people. Some of my greatest memories in my life have been surrounded by food, especially after Ramadan. 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.”<\/p>\n

Jay McGuiness – Heat 1 <\/h2>\n
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Age:<\/strong> 36<\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> @birdspotting<\/a><\/p>\n

Famous for:<\/strong> Musician, actor and author, best known for being in The Wanted<\/p>\n

What has he said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: <\/strong>“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\u2019s the worst that could happen?”<\/p>\n

Joe Pasquale – Heat 1 <\/h2>\n
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Age:<\/strong> 64<\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> @joepasqualeofficial<\/a><\/p>\n

Famous for:<\/strong> Comedian, actor and author<\/p>\n

What has he said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: “<\/strong>I love a good challenge. I don\u2019t like to be in shallow water; I love the deep end\u2026 and I love the adrenaline that goes with pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. I\u2019m a huge fan of the show and have watched it for many years. I really hope to learn something as I\u2019ve always fancied myself as a bit of a chef as I love to experiment but never had the confidence to pursue it.” <\/p>\n

Celebrity Masterchef is coming soon <\/p>\n<\/div>\n