Giorgio Locatelli to join Grace Dent as co-host of Celebrity MasterChef

Celebrity MasterChef's new co-host has been revealed as Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli, who will replace axed star John Torode.

The Italian restauranteur will join Grace Dent on the series, following Torode's exit last year.

Grace Dent and Giorgio Locatelli will front the next season of Celebrity MasterChef togetherCelebrity MasterChef judge Grace Dent will get a new co-star on the next series of the star-studded BBC reality show.On Wednesday morning, it was revealed that Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Giorgio Locatelli would be lending his services to the next season of MasterChef’s celebrity counterpart.The Italian cook announced the news during an appearance on the podcast Table Manners, ahead of his Celebrity MasterChef debut later in the summer.In a press release, he enthused: “Hosting Celebrity MasterChef alongside Grace is a real honour. I can’t wait for you to see what our celebrity contestants bring to the kitchen, as we are really putting their culinary skills to the test in this series.”Grace added: “Giorgio Locatelli is a fabulous addition to our UK Celebrity MasterChef team. “I’m a long-time admirer of his work and was a huge fan of Locanda Locatelli; for many years, it was one of my happy places to eat. I couldn’t be happier to combine our shared joy, passion, and expertise for food.”She also joked: “I also love an opportunity to serve up a heavy dose of glamour in the MasterChef kitchen, and I have a feeling Giorgio is going to give me a real run for my money.” Giorgio replaces John Torode as MasterChef, after the British star was fired from the franchise after a complaint about his use of alleged racist language behind the scenes was upheld, amid a wave of controversy for the show related to outgoing host Gregg Wallace.John has long maintained that he has “no recollection of what I’m accused of”.He previously co-hosted one season of Celebrity MasterChef with Grace last year. The food critic and former I’m A Celebrity star now also fronts the main show alongside Anna Haugh, with the pair receiving a warm reception when they debuted as its new hosts earlier this year.MORE TV NEWS:Johannes Radebe Has A Message For Strictly Fans Concerned About His New RoleAnt And Dec Break Silence On Rumours Of 'Awkward Run-In' With I'm A Celebrity StarsThe Neighbourhood Bumped From Its Primetime Slot After Falling Viewing Figures