Leading the charge in the latest heat of Celebrity MasterChef are Chloe Burrows and Danielle Harold, two of the five fresh faces set to compete for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals. With tensions heating up in the kitchen, these celebrities are ready to swap the spotlight for the stove.

The beloved BBC cooking show made its grand return on Tuesday, kicking off the competition with its first trio of episodes. Celebrities such as Charlotte Crosby, Craig Doyle, Edith Bowman, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, and Snoochie Shy were the first to face the culinary trials, with one unfortunate contestant already shown the door.

Now, the spotlight shifts to the second heat, where reality TV favorite Chloe Burrows, aged 28, and EastEnders actress Danielle Harold, aged 32, will test their kitchen prowess. Joining them are a diverse group of competitors: comedian and actor Eshaan Akbar, BBC Gladiator and Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and Line Of Duty’s Rochenda Sandall.

Spanning over a six-week period, Celebrity MasterChef throws 20 well-known personalities into the culinary deep end, challenging them to cook their way to the top. As these stars step up to the plate, viewers can expect a blend of drama, creativity, and unexpected surprises in this high-stakes kitchen showdown.

Released over six weeks, Celebrity MasterChef sees 20 famous faces throwing themselves into the biggest culinary challenge of their lives. 

Chloe Burrows, 28 (pictured) and Danielle Harold, 32, lead the five new celebrity faces revealed to be battling it out in the Celebrity MasterChef arena

The women will be competing in the second Heat week for a place in the quarter-finals (pictured: Danielle)

Joining Chloe and Danielle will be (L-R comedian and actor Eshaan Akbar, Line Of Duty star Rochenda Sandall, and ‘Gladiator’ and Team GB Sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

When asked why she signed up to MasterChef, Love Island star Chloe said: ‘My mum has always loved MasterChef so growing up I’ve always watched it. 

‘I dip in and out of cooking, mostly learnt from my nan when I was younger but lost all my “skills” when I went to university – however, I can follow a recipe very well! 

‘I also love Megan McKenna’s cooking videos – and have an infatuation with mukbangs on social media.’

Danielle offered: ‘I wanted to do MasterChef because I love cooking and enjoy learning to cook different foods. I’m not a very good cook, so I’m looking forward to what I’ll learn!’

Explaining what got him into cooking, Eshaan said: ‘It all started with me making Christmas Dinner in 2014. 

‘So, the first time I cooked was for the family – now just three compared to the huge parties mum used to throw. 

‘It was a success. Since then, my family has described me as a good cook. My friends and family are impressed by my ability to make something from nothing!’

He revealed: ‘Favourite dish to eat is definitely khichuri – rice and daal cooked together served with pan-fried aubergines and a beef curry. It’s my go to comfort food and always touches my soul.’

Explaining what got him into cooking, Eshaan said: ‘It all started with me making Christmas Dinner in 2014 … It was a success. Since then, my family has described me as a good cook’

Gladiator Harry declared: ‘I love cooking meaty dishes! Packed full of protein to supplement my training sessions. However, serve me a sweet treat and I’m all over it’

Rochenda revealed: ‘Since doing MasterChef, I have also really gotten into pasta-making. I’ve invested in a pasta machine. My kitchen is full of 0.0 flour’

Eshaan finished: ‘I love making a roast dinner – mainly because it’s nice to time everything perfectly!

Meanwhile, Harry, who portrays Gladiator Nitro, declared: ‘I love cooking meaty dishes! Packed full of protein to supplement my training sessions. However, serve me a sweet treat and I’m all over it – a chocolate fondant is my absolute fave.’ 

Finally, Rochenda revealed: ‘Walking into the MasterChef kitchen for the first time was terrifying because it’s basically like walking into your TV. 

‘It was fun, though – and John and Gregg are so welcoming. We were all terrified! We didn’t dare put our aprons on at first for some reason in our Heat. We were just stood there like a deer in the headlights! 

‘But it was brilliant – all the gadgets they’ve got and all the plates that you get to choose from were great. It was a very exciting experience.’

She added: ‘My favourite food to eat is anything Italian, and more specifically, pasta. I adore pasta, any kind, any place, anywhere. 

Since doing MasterChef, I have also really gotten into pasta-making. I’ve invested in a pasta machine. My kitchen is full of 0.0 flour.’

The BBC cooking show kicked off last week with its first three episodes starring Charlotte Crosby, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Craig Doyle, Snoochie Shy, and Edith Bowman (all pictured L-R)

In the upcoming episode, hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace waste no time in setting the first task for the hopefuls – Under The Cloche. 

Taking it in turns, the celebrities pick a gleaming cloche (a dome-shape food cover). 

Then using the ingredient the cloche conceals, the celebrities must deliver a dish that gives that ingredient real superstar status.

Later, the fivesome will be tasked with producing two dinner party dishes that would wow even the most demanding of house guests. 

The second heat of Celebrity MasterChef begins at 8pm on BBC One on August 20.