Fans welcomed his return to television with excitement as the seventh Spanish edition of Master Chef Celebrity premiered on TVE this Monday, featuring the beloved host among the 15 contestants.
The cheerful presenter showed his ability to charm the crowd and even sparked a playful trend on social media as his name became a talking point during the broadcast. In the show’s opening challenge, the jury asked the contestants to reveal what name they would give to their dishes. The 42-year-old Valladolid native did not hesitate, delivering the compliment without ceremony. His smile and quick wit drew laughs from the jury and friends in the room as he declared an endearing remark about the dish and its creator.
Pepe Rodriguez echoed the praise, and the aspiring chef briefly meditated on the compliment before simply replying with gratitude. The moment set a lighthearted tone for the rest of the episode, though it did not guarantee a flawless performance on the plate. The judge cautioned that the execution matters just as much as the presentation, noting that the sirloin selected for the dish was not boiled to the chef’s expectations and that the resulting empanada was not up to standard. The critique was firm yet constructive, as is customary on the show, with the panel explaining why the dish did not meet the competition’s high bar.
Among the favorites entering the seventh season were Emmanuel Esparza, who previously distinguished himself in MasterChef Celebrity in Colombia and who faced elimination in the current edition. The field also features Patricia Conde and a cast of notable personalities, including Nico Abad, Norma Duval, Pepe Barroso, Lorena Castell, Fernando Andina, Ruth Lorenzo, Manu Baqueiro, Daniela Santiago, Xavier Deltell, María Escoté, Isabelle Junot, María Zurita, and Eduardo Rosa. The diverse lineup brings a mix of cooking passion and television experience, setting the stage for a season full of memorable moments and culinary challenges. [citation: MasterChef Celebrity France/Spain adaptation records and show’s casting notes].