See you in the kitchen! Celebrity MasterChef start date confirmed

The new series of Celebrity MasterChef will kick off in two weeks’ time, it has been confirmed.

Gregg Wallace, who co-hosts the programme with John Torode, shared the news on Twitter: “Celebrity MasterChef will return on Thursday 23rd August at 8pm and Friday 24th August at 8.30 pm on BBC One @MasterChefUK, @BBCOne and #MasterChefUK.”

TV chef Torode shared his post excitedly, writing: “It is, it is… see you all then!!”

The new series will see 20 new famous faces battling it out in the kitchen to take the title of Celebrity MasterChef champion.

The line-up, which was revealed in May, includes Dolly Parton’s sister Stella, former Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, actor Keith Allen, The Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge and Gemma Collins of The Only Way Is Essex fame.

They will be joined by former Holby City and Strictly Come Dancing star Chizzy Akudolu, former The Bill actor Lisa Maxwell and EastEnders’ John Partridge.

Also hoping for culinary success will be TV presenter Michelle Ackerley, Scottish presenter Jean Johansson and social entrepreneur and designer Jay Blades, as well as English cricketer Monty Panesar, who crashed out of Dancing On Ice earlier this year due to injury.

Comedian Zoe Lyons, Strictly professional AJ Pritchard, former rugby union star Martin Bayfield and World Champion Paralympian Stefanie Reid are also among the eclectic mix set to turn up the heat in the kitchen.

Completing the line-up is Union J’s Josh Cuthbert, radio presenter Clara Amfo, pop star Carol Decker and singer Anita Harris – who rose to fame with the Cliff Adams Singers.

The new series will span six weeks and 12 episodes, and will see the stars tasked with a number of culinary challenges, including the Mystery Box Challenge, where they have to create a dish with unknown ingredients, and a task in a professional kitchen.

Last year’s Celebrity MasterChef was won by TV and radio presenter Angellica Bell.