Episode 8

The final heat of this year’s competition is in full swing, and the celebrities need to prove to judges Grace and John that they have what it takes to hit Celebrity MasterChef level. Two challenges await, with a place in the quarter-finals for the taking. For one, it will be the end of the road, and for the others, it will be the start of an incredible race to the finish.

There’s a familiar face setting the brief: Alexina Anatole, a 2021 MasterChef finalist, who has since gone on to publish two cookbooks. Alexina’s passion has continued since her win, and she pairs ingredients that would ordinarily raise alarm bells with extraordinary success. With a passion for bitter flavours, Alexina is bringing this taste sensation to the brief. Each of the celebs has one of her recipes that celebrate bitterness, which they will need to incorporate into the dish and ensure every element works in harmony. This is a careful balancing act that would terrify top chefs, never mind five celebrities. One mistake could leave a nasty taste in everyone’s mouth.

Having seen that test through to the bitter end, the celebs have one more shot at demonstrating they are quarter-final-ready. They have one hour to deliver a main course and dessert that they would be proud to serve at a dinner party – this is not the time to bring out a hedgehog made of pineapple and cheese chunks. It will need to be restaurant-worthy to stand any chance of impressing the judges. The judges have already been treated to some stunning creations in this series, so expectations are through the roof.

One celebrity will be back on the red carpet before they know it as they say goodbye to the competition. The rest will all have a place in the last quarter-final and still be in the running to be Celebrity MasterChef champion 2025.