BBC Celebrity MasterChef fans furious and demand 'justice' as judges announce semi-finalists

The first semi-finalists for this year's Celebrity MasterChef were revealed on Friday as judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode came to a decision after a week of tasks.

The quarter-finalists were decided in Thursday's show as presenter Craig Doyle, TV and radio presenter Edith Bowman and singer Ian "H" Watkins.

The three were tasked with impressing previous Celebrity MasterChef contestants as Wallace, 59, explained: "Now, we've invited three special people - and I mean that - into the dining room to taste your food and ultimately help us make quite a big decision."

They included finalists Joe Swash and Kitty Scott-Claus and Celebrity MasterChef champion Riyadh Khalaf.

"There are just two semi-final places up for grabs," Torode, 59, reminded the hopefuls, adding: "That does mean that one of you will be going home."

"You've got two courses in one hour and 15 minutes, let's go!" he exclaimed.

When asked about his dishes, H later explained he'd opted for "sirloin steak with mushrooms and vine tomatoes and my dessert is brioche, chocolate and marmalade pudding with Chantilly cream and a basket of sugar."

Bowman went for seared beef served with ginger, radish, jalapeno and an Asian-inspired sauce.

The special guests and judges were impressed by elements of both, but with Doyle a number one contender for the semi-final, one of the two had to be sent packing.

Later, the judges explained Doyle had sped through to the next stage because he "pushed the boundaries completely" and made food that was "absolutely loved".

Announcing the bad news, Torode explained: "The celebrity leaving us is Edith." Hugging H, the presenter took the news graciously, but fans watching at home were less than impressed.

Taking to X, many expressed their disappointment with the judges' choices. One wrote: "Are we seriously saying that H has only ever cooked using a microwave and air fryer? What a load of cobblers. Serial deceiver. Justice for Edith! #celebritymasterchef."

"How did H get through to the semi-final? He cooked a steak with no sides and put pre-made chocolate chip brioche into a bowl with butter on #celebritymasterchef," another fumed.

"awww was so hoping @edibow was going through to the final of @MasterChefUK well done on getting so far. Don't give up. #celebritymasterchef," someone else shared.

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"Gutted for Edith but proud for how far she came in the competition #CelebrityMasterChef," another person commented.

Someone else simply penned: "#celebritymasterchef EDITH???"

However, some did agree with Wallace and Torode, with one adding: "Correct decision. #CelebrityMasterchef," and another posting: "Edith has to go. #CelebrityMasterchef." (sic)

It comes as many were questioning the quality of the line-up at the start of the week, with some branding the celebrities "Z list".