Celebrity Masterchef set for Strictly take over as BBC confirms glittering line up for two Christmas specials

THE BBC has confirmed a glittering line up of stars for two exciting Masterchef Christmas specials this year.

Masterchef will open its kitchen doors to four Strictly professional dancers and the first task will be set by a surprise mystery guest.

Expect a sprinkling of glitz and glamour when Amy Dowden MBE, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu take to the kitchen.

Each one of them will be hoping to be crowned MasterChef Festive Cha-Cha-Champion this year.

But they’ll be in for a shock when they find out who is setting the first task because, unbeknownst to the dancers, it’s Strictly judge, Motsi Mabuse.

Instead of judging their dance moves, she will be critiquing their cooking as they create some of her favourite festive dishes.

Next, they must dazzle John and Gregg with their best two-course menu worthy of a great celebration.

As the Strictly pros switch from dance-off to cook-off, they will be hoping to do as well as their fellow Strictly dancer Vito Coppola.

Vito was crowned the winner of Celebrity MasterChef 2024 after an emotional final round earlier this year.

The dancer beat out Line Of Duty‘s Rochenda Sandall and This Morning‘s Craig Doyle to take home the trophy.

Let’s hope that in this year’s Christmas special – his fellow dancers do as well in the kitchen as he did – but even if they don’t it’s all part of the glitz and fun.

Also, this December BBC One will air another Festive Cook Off which sees more celebs aiming to win the Golden Whisk Trophy.

Emmerdale star Amy Walsh captured Celebrity MasterChef fans’ hearts as she broke down in tears during her first round in Celebrity Masterchef last year.

She admitted that her confidence had taken a big hit since becoming a mum to her baby daughter Bonnie.

But Amy continued through each round and made it all the way to the final only to pipped at the post by winner Wynne Evans who was part of this year’s Strictly.

Will she manage to grab the glittery whisk trophy in this year’s Christmas special? Time will tell.

Joining her will be comedian Shazia Mirza, reality star Luca Bish and popstar and lead singer of The Wanted, Max George who also did themselves proud in 2023.

Their first challenge is the Secret Santa Mystery Box, each containing the recipe for a sensational seasonal treat.

Duncan Jones, another contestant from 2023 will be Joining as a special Christmas guest judge.

They won’t want to make him feel blue with their cooking efforts from the mystery ingredients.

The next round the four must cook their ultimate Christmas dinner.

MasterChef Festive specials air this December on BBC One.