Several Celebrity MasterChef fans have been left fuming and claiming that the BBC “doesn’t understand the demographic” after the latest series line-up was confirmed.
Over six weeks, John Torode and Gregg Wallace will be keeping a close eye on the culinary efforts of the 20 celebrities as they put them through increasingly intense challenges.
Taking on the challenge this year are Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, Love Island star Chloe Burrows, model and TV personality Christine McGuinness, This Morning presenter Craig Doyle, EastEnders actor Danielle Harold and Traitors contestant Diane Carson.
Also amongst the line-up is makeup Artist and Glow Up judge Dominic Skinner, Radio 1 presenter Edith Bowman, Marchioness of Bath Emma Thynn, comedian Eshaan Akbar, Gladiator and Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Steps star Ian ‘H’ Watkins, former X Factor star, Jake Quickenden, and comedian Jamie MacDonald.
The final six are Sugababes star Mutya Buena, BBC Radio 2 presenter OJ Borg, Line of Duty actor Rochenda Sandall, BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter Snoochie Shy, actor Tamer Hassan, and Strictly Come Dancing professional Vito Coppola.
The upcoming series follows the landmark 20th MasterChef series earlier this year, which highlighted the significant impact MasterChef has had on the British culinary scene over the years and celebrated all the culinary talent to come through the iconic kitchen doors over the past two decades.
Fans were furious over this year’s Celebrity MasterChef line-up
BBC
Sarah Clay, Commissioning Editor for the BBC, said: “The standard of this competition gets higher every year, so expect lots of laughs and some fierce rivalry as we’re set for some of the hardest challenges yet.
“These celebs are a brave brunch and are taking us on a brilliant ride – all in the trusty hands of our distinguished Judges, John and Gregg.”
Katie Attwood, MasterChef Series Editor, also looked forward to the show, saying in a statement: “Celebrity MasterChef fans are in for a treat this summer – with a top line-up of celebrities and the ever-thrilling John and Gregg on judging duty. These stars will need to pull out all the stops this year as we’re really testing their mettle.
“It’s one you won’t want to miss!”
This Morning presenter Craig Doyle is taking on the ultimate cooking challenge
BBC
However, long-standing fans of the show feel significantly let down by the line-up and claimed they hardly know who any of the celebrities are.
Voicing their annoyance on their X accounts, one user fumed: “At this point in time, John and Gregg are probably the biggest celebrities of this show.”
“Woah I don’t know a single person. It’s like watching normal MasterChef,” another commented before a third said: “Well Celebrity Masterchef, you managed it.
“I normally only know one or two of your so-called celebrities, but this time none at all.”
Former EastEnders star Danielle Harold will be pushed to the limits by John Torode and Gregg Wallace
BBC
Someone else expressed: “Seems the BBC don’t understand the demographic of their target audience.
“It appears most of us have never heard of this lot – and they nearly all look the same and appear the same age group. Might be the first time I give it a miss.”
“Spreading the word celebrity too thin,” a fifth noted before another quipped: “I don’t think the word ‘celebrity’ means what you think it does.” (sic)
Despite the negativity the series has already received, some were looking forward to the new line-up showing off their cooking skill as one praised: “Love this line up looking forward to it.” (sic)