‘Celebrity MasterChef’ will feature the show’s first ever blind contestant.
Travel presenter Amar Latif – who hosted BBC documentary ‘Beyond Boundaries’ – is amongst the 20 famous faces testing their culinary skills when the BBC cooking show returns this summer.
The 45-year-old star lost 95% of his sight as a teenager due an incurable condition called retinis pigmentosa, and while he will have a sighted guide to navigate the kitchen, it’s been confirmed he will do all the preparation and cooking himself.
Although he will be the first blind contestant for the UK show, the US amateur edition was won by Christine Ha in 2012.
He will be joined on the show – which stars judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace – by the likes of tennis coach Judy Murray, ‘Quadrophenia’ actor Phil Daniels, John Barnes, Rak-Su singer Myles Stephenson and Olympians Sam Quek and Sir Matthew Pinsent.
Also part of the lineup are ‘This Time With Alan Partidge’ star Felicity Montagu, singer Lady Leshurr, ‘Death In Paradise’ actress Shyko Amos, comedians Crissy Rock and Judi Love, and ‘TOWIE’ star Pete Wicks.
Rounding off the bill will be Kingdom Choir conductor Karen Gibson, broadcaster Riyadh Khalaf, ‘The Apprentice’ star Thomas Skinner and TV presenters Gethin Jones, Dom Littlewood and Jeff Brazier.
Carla-Maria Lawson – commissioning editor for the BBC – said: "The 20 celebrities who’ve taken up the MasterChef challenge this year are an exciting, ambitious and brave bunch.
"There’s been no holding back in their pursuit of the coveted ‘Celebrity MasterChef’ title and their efforts will be a real treat for viewers in the BBC One summer schedule."
Katie Attwood – series editor at production company Shine TV – added: "This series we’ve got another fantastic line-up of willing celebrities ready to commence battle.
"And for the first time in the heats we kick off with the Market Test which throws up some pretty unusual creations for John and Gregg, to say the least – it promises to be full of fun, surprises and some great food."