Celebrity Masterchef is back with two Christmas specials – with some very familiar faces from Strictly and soaps

MASTERCHEF fans will be overjoyed to hear that the show is returning for not only one, but two Christmas specials.

Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace are back hosting the two episodes, which will see eight much-loved celebs return to the kitchen.

In the first special, we will see Happy Monday’s legend Bez, Athletics World Champion Iwan Thomas MBE, Pop star Josh Cuthbert and opera singing superstar Lesley Garrett CBE back on our screens.

They will be competing against each other to see who can take home the title of Christmas champion and the Celebrity MasterChef Golden Whisk trophy. 

In their episode, they face two Christmas themed tests, the first of which is Cocktails and Canapés!

The celebrities will have to recreate and embellish two Christmas canapé recipes from ingredients found in a Secret Santa present box.

Alongside their canapés they must present their favourite Christmas cocktail to the judges.

But, because it’s a special occasion the celebrities must present their cocktails and canapés not only to John and Gregg but also to a very special Christmas guest judge – Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Champion 2021, Judi Love.

Then, they are all challenged to cook their ultimate Christmas dinner using well-known seasonal ingredients, where the celebrities can be as creative as they like.

For the second episode, another batch of four much-loved celebs will return to the show.

They are; professional Dancer AJ Pritchard, Actor Chizzy Akudolu, British Drag Performer Kitty Scott-Claus and reality star and X-Factor winner Megan McKenna.

Their first challenge is all about what to do with Christmas leftovers, where each celebrity is given their own seasonal leftover from which to create a dish from.

Helping John and Gregg judge is a very special guest judge – Celebrity MasterChef Champion 2010, Lisa Faulkner.

Then, it’s party time as the four celebrities are all challenged to cook a dinner that they would serve at a New Year’s celebration.

Expect plenty of laughs, some great Christmas banter, and some surprisingly good food as the celebrities all do their best to be crowned the Celebrity MasterChef Festive Champion 2022.

Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook-Off is on Friday 23rd December at 8pm on BBC One.

Celebrity MasterChef Festive Extravaganza is on Friday 30th December at 9pm on BBC One.