Celebrity MasterChef: Legendary Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli reportedly taking over from John Torode
Chef who has cooked for celebrities including Madonna, Kate Winslet, and Brad Pitt is rumoured to be taking over from John Torode as co-host on Celebrity MasterChef.
A legendary Italian chef is reported to be taking over from John Torode as a co-host on BBC cookery contest, Celebrity MasterChef. TV chef Giorgio Locatelli is set to join the team after John Torode was axed from the scandal-hit programme along with fellow presenter, Gregg Wallace.
Michelin-starred Locatelli, 62, has appeared on Celebrity MasterChef as a guest, as well as judging BBC2's Big Family Cooking Showdown, and fronted Channel 4's Celeb Cooking School.
Now, he is reportedly joining the BBC team, according to The Sun, which quoted a show source as saying: "It's time for a new era for and bosses think Giorgio is the perfect fit. He has a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry and has plenty of personality."
Locatelli opened Locanda Locatelli at the Hyatt Regency - The Churchill, in Marylebone, London, in 2003. It became a celebrity haunt, welcoming the likes of Madonna, Kate Winslet, and Brad Pitt, before it closed in January this year.
The eatery, which Locatelli ran with wife Plaxy received a Michelin star after just a year, with mains costing between £30 and £50.
Already confirmed as a new co-host on the BBC's flagship cookery offering is food critic Grace Dent, 52, who will also host the non-celebrity version of the show with Irish chef Anna Haugh, 45.
Torode was sacked from MasterChef after a controversial investigation into co-host Wallace revealed he had used offensive language, which he said he had no recollection of.
Following the probe, production company Banijay UK which makes MasterChef, said it has decided not to renew his contract.