Celebrity MasterChef is now just one episode away from crowning its 2025 winner after tonight’s elimination – but before the final could be locked in, one last celebrity had to leave the kitchen.

Tonight’s episode began with just four contestants following Jamie Lomas’ elimination earlier in the week. By the halfway point, that number had dropped to three, as judges John Torode and Grace Dent made a shock mid-show decision.

With only one day of cooking left before the Celebrity MasterChef Champion 2025 is revealed, here’s exactly who went home tonight, who’s still in the running, and when the final airs.
Tonight’s Celebrity MasterChef saw one last contestant leave ahead of this year’s final (Credit: BBC)

Celebrity MasterChef tonight

Dawn O’Porter, Alun Wyn Jones, Alfie Boe and Ginger Johnson opened the episode with an emotional challenge. Each was asked to cook a dish dedicated to someone or something close to their heart.

John and Grace told the contestants they wanted them to “cook from the heart” and really feel the emotion on the plate. The stakes were high, as one celebrity would be eliminated immediately after this first round.

Dawn chose to make a kebab in honour of her husband Chris O’Dowd. She explained that the pair shared a kebab on the night she officially became his girlfriend, making it a meaningful choice.

Alfie opted for a two-layer cake dedicated to his late father, who died 28 years ago. One half was a Parkin cake – his dad’s favourite – while the other was a Belgian Les Misérable cake, referencing Alfie’s career as a tenor.

Ginger cooked a Christmas dinner with a twist, serving festive salmon alongside roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings. The drag artist, whose real name is Donald Marshall, dedicated the dish to her dad, who she says has always supported her.

Alun Wyn Jones made a Welsh-inspired surf and turf using lamb, leeks, laverbread and deep-fried cockles. He dedicated the dish to his dad, his wife and his many rugby fans.
Alfie Boe hit disaster when his cake fell over (Credit: BBC)

Who went home in Celebrity MasterChef tonight?

Not everyone had a smooth time in the kitchen.

Ginger’s dish was a huge hit, with both judges praising the flavours. John said: “It’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s definitely Christmas,” while Grace was equally impressed.

Dawn’s kebab also went down well, complete with Champagne served in a plastic bag – just like on her date night with Chris. John called it “fantastic”, while Grace described it as “fabulous”.

Alun ran into issues with his lamb, which needed flash-frying at the last minute as it was too rare. Grace noted the problem but praised his dauphinoise, while John said he would have liked the lamb fat rendered more.

Alfie suffered the biggest setback. One of his cakes collapsed while plating, and the Les Misérable layer was undercooked. Grace told him it tasted “a bit of eggs”, while John and Grace agreed it lacked buttercream and was too dry.

The judges ultimately decided to send Alfie home. While they loved his Parkin cake, the issues with the second layer sealed his fate.

As he left the competition, Alfie said: “This has been quite precious. These moments in life that come about are really special. I’m happy to be going home as a Celebrity MasterChef finalist.”
Alfie Boe left Celebrity MasterChef tonight (Credit: BBC)

Celebrity MasterChef: The final three

Alfie’s exit left Dawn, Alun and Ginger as the final three contestants of Celebrity MasterChef 2025. The trio were told they had earned their place at the Chef’s Table, with John warning them: “Hold on tight, you’re in for a ride.”

They travelled to The Boat, a three-rosette restaurant in Lichfield, Staffordshire, run by chef patron Liam Dillon. Each finalist had to recreate a dish from his current menu for six award-winning chefs.

Their critics were Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Sat Bains, Paul Ainsworth, Chet Sharma, David Taylor and Chantelle Nicholson – chefs who collectively hold five Michelin stars.

Dawn was tasked with a roast quail starter, Alun cooked lamb loin for the main, and Ginger took on a coffee parfait dessert. All three dishes were technically demanding.

Dawn’s quail was described as “perfect”, although one chef did find a tiny piece of bone. Alun’s lamb was praised as “delicious” and “pretty impressive”, while Ginger’s dessert earned glowing feedback, with one chef saying: “You wouldn’t know this had been done by a celebrity.”

No one was eliminated after the Chef’s Table. John confirmed: “All the lessons are over. It’s back to the MasterChef kitchen because there’s three cooks and only one that can be our winner.”
Dawn, Alun and Ginger are this year’s three Celebrity MasterChef finalists (Credit: BBC)

When is the final?

The Celebrity MasterChef 2025 Final airs on Friday December 19, 2025. The episode starts at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and runs for an hour.

Dawn, Alun and Ginger will each cook a three-course meal before John and Grace decide who takes the title. A preview of the final shows a frantic kitchen and plenty of pressure. But who will keep their nerve and be crowned Celebrity MasterChef 2025 champion?

It was another intense evening in the Celebrity MasterChef kitchen as the competition reached its final, high-stakes stages. The air was thick with emotion, anticipation and the clatter of pots and pans as a group of immensely talented celebrities battled it out for a coveted place in the finals. This season has been one of the most competitive in years, with dramatic highs, crushing lows, and standout culinary triumphs and disasters. Tonight’s episode delivered yet another pivotal twist — one of the remaining contenders saw their journey end in heartbreak — setting the stage for the most thrilling conclusion yet as only three celebrities remain, all set to fight for this year’s championship.

The judges, Celebrity MasterChef veterans John Torode and Grace Dent, were as exacting as ever, watching every chop, boil and flambé with sharp eyes. The format of the show this season has pushed competitors further than ever before, mixing classic MasterChef challenges like invention tests and relay cooking with emotionally charged tasks that test creativity under pressure. Over the course of this season, the celebrities have been pushed to explore bold flavours, tackle unfamiliar techniques, and deliver restaurant-quality dishes — all while under the unforgiving glare of the cameras and judges.

Earlier in the episode, the contenders were given a dual challenge — first a complex invention test designed to test their ingenuity and adaptability, followed by a solo cooking round meant to highlight their personal flair. As the clock wound down, the contestants raced against both time and each other. Every mistake was amplified under pressure, and every success a step closer to culinary glory.

The competitor who was eliminated tonight was Katie McGlynn, a well-loved face whose journey on the show has been defined by gritty determination and regular dramatic back-and-forth with the judges. Although she managed to produce technically solid dishes throughout the season, tonight’s performance saw her falter when it mattered most. The judges’ feedback cited a critical error in execution that ultimately cost her a place in finals week — a misseasoned main dish paired with a dessert that failed to meet expectations. The decision was tough, but both Torode and Dent agreed that on a night where precision, creativity and presentation were at a premium, her dishes simply didn’t hit the mark.

Katie’s departure from the competition was emotional. She had become something of a fan favourite, known for her upbeat attitude, expressive personality, and willingness to tackle difficult challenges head-on. But as she stood in the kitchen one last time, apron in hand, she thanked the judges and her fellow competitors for an unforgettable experience. In doing so, she acknowledged the bittersweet reality of competitive cooking — that excellence must be sustained, and perfection demanded, to stay in the game.

The elimination marked the end of a journey that saw Katie rise from early contender to serious finalist potential. Her goodbye underscored the harshness of Celebrity MasterChef’s later rounds, where even the slightest slip or overlooked seasoning can spell disaster. Yet, despite her departure, she left with her dignity and spirit intact, proving that even in defeat, there can be great pride.

With Katie’s exit, the field has now been whittled down to just three finalists — the select few who have managed to endure the rigours of the competition and impress the judges week after week. These finalists are Alfie Boe, Dawn O’Porter, and Ginger Johnson. Each represents a very different culinary style, personality, and approach to the kitchen, making the final showdown poised to be unpredictable and exciting.

Alfie Boe, known globally for his operatic voice and stage presence, has surprised viewers and judges alike with his steady evolution as a serious cook. From the moment he stepped into the MasterChef kitchen, Alfie approached challenges with calm determination, often presenting dishes that showcased respect for ingredients and confidence in execution. His journey has not always been smooth — early episodes saw him struggle with technical components — but his growth has been marked. In recent weeks, he’s produced balanced menus that blend traditional flavours with thoughtful innovation, proving that his talents extend well beyond the stage.

Dawn O’Porter has been another standout contender, capturing attention with her creative approach to flavour and unyielding dedication. Known to many for her work as a writer and TV personality, Dawn has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to craft dishes with storytelling flair and emotional resonance — cooking not just to impress, but to connect with the judges and viewers. This has often translated into bold choices that flirt with risk but more often than not pay off handsomely. Her presence in finals week reflects a blend of heart and technique that few have mastered this season.

Then there’s Ginger Johnson, whose presence has electrified the competition with flair, personality and unmistakable confidence. A celebrated drag performer and all-around showstopper, Ginger has not only impressed with their culinary skills but also brought a unique artistic energy to every challenge. Whether negotiating tricky techniques or plating with theatrical precision, Ginger’s dishes have consistently stood out for their creativity and flavour balance. Their journey to the final has been one of resilience and imagination, earning them widespread support from fans and critics alike.

Collectively, Alfie, Dawn and Ginger represent the best of what this season of Celebrity MasterChef has offered: diversity of talent, evolution of skill, and memorable personalities who resonate with audiences both inside and outside the kitchen. Their advancement into the final round is the culmination of weeks of intense competition, emotional highs and lows, and an unrelenting drive to cook dishes that reflect dedication and heart.

As the final approaches, viewers are already buzzing with speculation. Many fans are split in their opinions on who should take home the title. Alfie’s consistent improvement and well-balanced dishes have earned him loyal supporters who believe his best cooking is still ahead. Dawn’s bold creative risk-taking appeals to those who value narrative and passion on a plate. Meanwhile, Ginger’s radiant confidence and artistic flair have made them a standout — not just among this season’s competitors, but within the broader MasterChef legacy. Social media outlets and fan forums are rife with debate, with many pointing to Ginger’s unique style and presentation as potential game-winning strengths.

Behind the scenes, Celebrity MasterChef has also seen significant changes this year. The show underwent a major shake-up in its hosting lineup after the long-running duo of John Torode and Gregg Wallace left following formal investigations into workplace conduct. The BBC has since introduced new hosting faces for upcoming iterations of the format, but this current season — already filmed — still features Torode alongside Grace Dent. This shift has coloured viewer perception and broadened discussions around how the show might evolve in future seasons.

The final itself is scheduled to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, where the remaining trio will face one last series of rigorous tests. As with previous seasons, the finale is expected to involve a multi-course challenge that demands creativity, precision, and emotional resonance. In past seasons, competitors have been asked to produce three spectacular dishes — typically a starter, main course, and dessert — that not only display technical mastery but also reflect their personality and growth throughout the competition. Judges will scrutinise every element, from ingredient sourcing to execution and final presentation.

This final battle isn’t just about skill; it’s about narrative arc. Each of the three finalists brings a unique culinary story to the table. Alfie’s gradual refinement of technique, Dawn’s fearless creativity, and Ginger’s theatrical elegance each create distinct trajectories that viewers have followed and celebrated. Their final dishes will need to encapsulate not just their culinary skills, but the story of their journey — a fitting capstone to a season defined as much by personal evolution as by professional achievement.

In addition to the cooking, there’s a palpable emotional weight surrounding the final. Competitors often speak about the camaraderie they’ve formed, the friendships forged under immense pressure, and the respect they’ve developed for one another’s strengths. Even though it’s a competition, the shared experience of navigating the gauntlet of gruelling challenges — from experimental larders to high-pressure quickfire rounds — has created bonds that transcend rivalry. For many fans, these human elements lend additional richness to the show’s climax, ensuring that everyone watching feels connected to the outcome in a deeply personal way.

The elimination of Katie McGlynn — though disappointing for her supporters — has only intensified interest in the final. Her farewell reminded audiences that Celebrity MasterChef is not just about who wins or loses, but about the pursuit of excellence and the courage it takes to put yourself on the line, week after week. This season, more than most, has showcased how celebrity status offers no guarantee of success in the kitchen — it’s talent, tenacity and heart that carry the day.

Looking ahead to the finale, questions abound: Will Alfie’s steady rise and technical confidence secure the title? Can Dawn’s bold, narrative-driven cuisine capture the judges’ hearts and palates? Or will Ginger’s unmistakable flair and creativity crown them Celebrity MasterChef champion? Whatever the outcome, the final promises to be a dramatic, flavour-packed spectacle — and a fitting conclusion to a season filled with unforgettable moments.

In the coming days, viewers around the UK and beyond will tune in, eager to witness the crowning of a new champion — one who has mastered not just ingredients and techniques, but the emotional journey that defines success in this iconic competition. Whether veteran fans or newcomers, audiences are sure to savour every moment of what promises to be one of Celebrity MasterChef’s most memorable finales yet.

As the competition moves toward its final moments, the emotional weight of Celebrity MasterChef becomes impossible to ignore. What began weeks ago as a light-hearted culinary experiment has transformed into something far deeper — a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, ambition, and resilience played out under unforgiving lights and relentless time pressure. By the time the finalists stand before the judges for the last time, this is no longer just a television contest. It is a culmination of personal stories, quiet breakthroughs, public failures, and hard-won confidence that none of them could have fully anticipated when they first tied on their aprons.

For the three finalists, reaching this stage is both a triumph and a burden. Triumph, because they have outcooked, outlasted, and outgrown dozens of other talented competitors. Burden, because the final demands more than technical skill — it demands honesty. In the last cook, there is nowhere to hide. No team-mates to lean on, no second chances, no safety nets. Every decision is magnified, every flaw exposed, every success scrutinised. The kitchen, once a place of learning and experimentation, becomes a stage where legacies are decided.

What makes this final especially powerful is the contrast between who these celebrities were at the start of the competition and who they have become. Early episodes were marked by nerves, self-doubt, and the occasional chaos that comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Many contestants arrived carrying the weight of public perception, worried that mistakes in the kitchen might reinforce stereotypes or undermine years of work in their primary careers. Over time, those fears gave way to something more profound: a willingness to fail, to listen, and to grow.

That transformation is at the heart of Celebrity MasterChef, and it is most visible in the finalists. Each of them has had moments where they faltered — a dish that didn’t come together, a flavour that missed the mark, a technique that collapsed under pressure. But what separated them from those who left before was not perfection, but response. They absorbed criticism, adapted, and returned stronger. In doing so, they earned not only their place in the final, but the respect of the judges and the audience watching at home.

The emotional intensity of the final is heightened by the knowledge that, once it ends, something rare and special is over. The shared experience of long days in the kitchen, the quiet conversations during breaks, the mutual encouragement after difficult critiques — all of it comes to an end. For weeks, food has been the centre of their world, a common language spoken through plates and pans. As the final approaches, there is an unspoken grief alongside the excitement, a sense that they are about to close a chapter they will never quite be able to revisit.

This bittersweet atmosphere often surfaces in the way finalists talk about their food. Dishes become deeply personal, infused with memory and meaning. A starter might reference childhood comforts, a main course might honour family traditions, a dessert might symbolise a turning point in life. In the final, cooking is no longer just about impressing the judges — it is about telling the truth. That vulnerability is what elevates the finale from a competition to something closer to a confession, where flavours and textures speak when words cannot.

The judges, too, feel this shift. Their role in the final is not simply to critique but to witness. Having guided these contestants from tentative beginnings to confident cooks, they understand the stakes on a level that goes beyond taste. When they comment on a dish, they are responding not only to what is on the plate, but to the journey behind it. Praise carries emotional weight, and criticism, when it comes, is delivered with an understanding of how much has been invested to reach this point.

For viewers, the final is a shared emotional experience. Audiences have followed these contestants week after week, celebrating their successes and empathising with their failures. By now, viewers are not just rooting for skill, but for people — people they feel they know. Social media fills with messages of support, gratitude, and nervous anticipation. Fans debate outcomes, not out of hostility, but out of genuine attachment. Whoever wins, many feel, something meaningful has already been achieved.

The final moments of Celebrity MasterChef are often quiet ones. After the frenzy of cooking, the clatter fades, and there is a pause — a moment of reflection before the decision is announced. In that silence, emotions surface. Relief that the cooking is over. Fear of the verdict. Pride in having reached this point at all. It is a moment where time seems to stretch, where weeks of effort compress into a single breath.

When the winner is finally named, the reaction is rarely just joy. There is disbelief, gratitude, and often tears — not only from the winner, but from the runners-up as well. They have shared something intense and transformative, and the result, while significant, does not erase that bond. The applause is as much for the journey as for the victory. In many ways, the title of Celebrity MasterChef is a symbol — a recognition of growth, courage, and commitment rather than a simple measure of who cooked best on the day.

For the finalists who do not win, the ending is no less meaningful. Standing in that kitchen, they know they have achieved something extraordinary. They have proven to themselves — and to millions watching — that they are capable of learning, evolving, and excelling under pressure. The confidence gained in the competition often carries forward into their lives beyond the show, changing how they approach challenges far removed from food.

As the credits roll and the kitchen lights dim, Celebrity MasterChef leaves behind a lingering emotional aftertaste. It reminds viewers that growth is rarely comfortable, that creativity thrives under constraint, and that failure, when faced honestly, can be a powerful teacher. It celebrates not just talent, but perseverance — the quiet determination to try again after things go wrong.

Ultimately, the final is not just about crowning a champion. It is about closure. Closure for the contestants who gave everything they had. Closure for the judges who guided them. And closure for the audience who invested their time, emotions, and support. In that sense, Celebrity MasterChef succeeds because it mirrors something deeply human: the desire to be seen, to improve, and to find meaning in the act of creating something with care.

Long after the winner lifts the trophy, what remains are the stories — of risk taken, of fear overcome, of passion rediscovered. And in those stories, Celebrity MasterChef finds its true legacy, not as a competition, but as a reminder that even in the most pressured environments, growth, connection, and authenticity can still flourish.