The BBC has confirmed that celebrated drag performer and television personality Ginger Johnson will be donning an apron for the 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef, set to air this autumn on BBC One and iPlayer.

Hailing from Lanchester in County Durham, Ginger rose to national fame after winning the fifth series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2023. Known for her quick wit, theatrical flair and larger-than-life stage presence, the 37-year-old entertainer is now ready to swap sequins for saucepans in the iconic MasterChef kitchen.

Announcing the news to her 96,000 Instagram followers, Ginger quipped: “I’m heading into the iconic MasterChef kitchen for the brand new celebrity series, coming soon to BBC One and iPlayer. You know what they say about kitchens – if you can’t stand the heat… you probably shouldn’t have worn four pairs of tights and a big hairy hat.”

She joins a diverse line-up of 15 celebrities, including singer Alfie Boe OBE, rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones, Blue star Antony Costa, TV personality Ashley Cain, and author Dawn O’Porter. Also competing are former Coronation Street actress Katie McGlynn, Love Island’s Chris Hughes, and Paralympian Gaz Choudhry.

This year’s series marks a significant change in the judging panel. Restaurant critic Grace Dent steps in to replace Gregg Wallace, joining long-time judge John Torode, who will be making one of his final appearances on the show following recent controversies.

The competition promises five weeks of culinary challenges, with contestants battling it out for the coveted Celebrity MasterChef trophy.

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Graham Robson
Graham Robson

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