In a stunning turn of events, Celebrity MasterChef 2025 witnessed a shocking double elimination during its semi-finals on December 8, 2025. Two contestants, Chris Hughes and Antony Costa, were eliminated by judges John Torode and Grace Dent. The episode also marked the noteworthy absence of contestant Ginger Johnson, who was unable to participate due to an illness.
Celebrity MasterChef Semi-Finals Overview
The semi-final week kicked off with contestants taken to Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire. This week’s challenge involved preparing a medieval banquet for 80 guests, a task that left many contestants visibly shocked. The competing celebrities were split into two teams for the culinary showdown.
First Team Challenge
- Red Team: Dawn O’Porter, Ashley Cain, Jamie Lomas, Alfie Boe
- Blue Team: Antony Costa, Katie McGlynn, Chris Hughes, Alun-Wynn Jones
The blue team prepared various dishes, including a venison pie and cod with herb crumb. However, a significant mishap occurred when Antony almost served an undercooked venison pie due to an oven error. He expressed his disappointment, stating he felt he had let the team down.
Meanwhile, the red team cooked roasted pork loin and trout en-croute, along with a variety of desserts. Their impressive menu included sticky toffee pudding and a fig and berry tart tatin.
Ginger Johnson Returns
After her brief absence, Ginger Johnson returned to the competition for the second task, where contestants were required to make a pie, either sweet or savory. Ginger showcased her creativity with a rhubarb and raspberry Swiss meringue pie, which earned praise from the judges despite initial concerns.
Despite the creative efforts, Chris and Antony faced disappointment during the judging. Chris’s game pie was criticized for being poorly executed, while Antony’s frangipani pie was also deemed lacking. Ultimately, both were sent home after their dishes failed to meet the judges’ standards.
What’s Next for Celebrity MasterChef 2025?
The competition will continue with a new episode airing on December 10, 2025. The remaining contestants will face further challenges, including recreating a dish from renowned Italian chef, Gennaro Contaldo. This upcoming episode promises to be intense as one more celebrity will be eliminated by the end of the night.
For those following the series, Celebrity MasterChef airs at 8 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, culminating in the semi-final week that concludes on December 11.
