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
And now the BBC has confirmed all the celebrities taking place in this year's competition. 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.
Here's the celebrities taking place in Celebrity Masterchef season 21 ahead of tonight's first episode.
The Celebrity Masterchef season 21 cast
Shakira Khan - Heat 1
Age: 23
Instagram: @shakirakhan16
Famous for: Television personality and runner-up of Love Island series 12
What has she said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: "I’m always up for a challenge and I love cooking, but I’m a simple cook. I’m good but I want to go out of my comfort zone and learn ‘sick recipes’, 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."
Emily Campbell - Heat 1
Age: 32
Instagram: @emilycampbell
Famous for: Weightlifter & Olympic Medallist
What has she said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: "I’ve 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’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!"
Jason Mohammad - Heat 1
Age: 52
Instagram: @mrjasonmohammad
Famous for: TV & Radio presenter
What has he said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: "I love food and I’m 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."
Jay McGuiness - Heat 1
Age: 36
Instagram: @birdspotting
Famous for: Musician, actor and author, best known for being in The Wanted
What has he said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: "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’s the worst that could happen?"
Joe Pasquale - Heat 1
Age: 64
Instagram: @joepasqualeofficial
Famous for: Comedian, actor and author
What has he said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: "I love a good challenge. I don’t like to be in shallow water; I love the deep end… and I love the adrenaline that goes with pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. I’m a huge fan of the show and have watched it for many years. 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."
Donna Preston - Heat 2
Age: 40
Instagram: @thedonnapreston
Famous for: Actress and Comedian
What has she said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: "It’s a dream of mine! I want to do MasterChef to learn, to challenge myself, to work under pressure. I would absolutely love that trophy, but I’m really excited about the apron.”
Emily Steel - Heat 2
Age: 23
Instagram: @emillysteel
Famous for: TV Gladiator aka ‘Dynamite’
What has she said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: “I love experimenting with recipes and ideas I find it so enjoyable cooking for other people - I’m really into presentation, and I always want to pair my food with a mocktail or nice drink.”
Eric Underwood - Heat 2
Age: 42
Instagram: @ericunderwood
Famous for: Presenter & former Royal Ballet Dancer
What has he said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: "Ballet dancers and food do not go naturally together but I want to change that perception. I love cooking and entertaining - well I give it a go, and I’m very willing to learn and put effort into it. I live on a farm with my husband and we’re hoping to get into ‘farm to table’ - we grow our own veg and have cows, chickens, sheep, bees, we make our own honey."
Nitin Ganatra - Heat 2
Age: 59
Instagram: @nitin.ganatra
Famous for: Actor, best known for playing Masood Ahmed in Eastenders
What has he said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: “I’m doing it for my mum who I was extremely close to. She was the best cook in the world. Food is first in our family. The first question she always asked was, 'what do you want to eat?'. I’m a vegetarian and pre-diabetic; therefore, I have recently undergone a food revolution where I have explored cooking to utilise it in the healthiest way.”
Tom Simons aka ‘TommyInnit’ - Heat 2
Age: 22
Instagram: @tommyinnit
Famous for: YouTuber and stand-up comedian
What has he said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: "I’m excited because it looks like great fun, and I think I can make some basic but creative meals. I’m not a great cook but I will try really hard. It’s my first time on a proper TV show!"
Melvin Odoom - Heat 3
Age: 46
Instagram: @melvinodoom
Famous for: DJ and presenter
What has he said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: “I’ve lived alone for years so I only cook for myself… I want to show off my cooking skills and see if I’m any good. I’d love to improve my skills, and it looks like a fun show. I can cook for one, but it’s hard for two or more, this is a real test. My cooking will be like my DJ’ing - I don’t DJ for myself, I DJ for the crowd.”
Lauren Steadman - Heat 3
Age: 33
Instagram: @laurensteadmann
Famous for: Paralympic athlete - paratriathlon
What has she said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: "I can compete in sports to a very high level and handle the pressure, I love to challenge myself and constantly learn new things. Being on Celebrity MasterChef would push my boundaries and hopefully give me the confidence that I can cook! It’s very different cooking for loved ones to stepping up and having the food critically analysed. It is also a show I have watched many times and enjoyed seeing how people craft their interpretation of food and flavours – it’s very individual and I like that. Also, quite risky as it could go very wrong!"
Max Fosh - Heat 3
Age: 31
Instagram: @max.fosh
Famous for: YouTuber and comedian
What has he said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: "I’ve done outrageous food videos for my career, like cooking a steak using lightning bolts, but it’s time I learnt a new skill. Plus, my parents love MasterChef and will be proud of me!"
Una Healy - Heat 3
Age: 44
Instagram: @unahealy
Famous for: Singer from The Saturdays
What has she said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: "To learn as much as I can about food, and I like to challenge myself. It’s a great opportunity as I really like to cook!”
Sue Cleaver - Heat 3
Age: 62
Instagram: @officialsuecleaver
Famous for: Actor and star of Loose Women
What has she said about going on Celebrity Masterchef?: “I really love the show and want to learn! Other people say I’m good, so we’ll see!”
Celebrity Masterchef starts tonight at 9pm on BBC One
