Telefe is facing a significant judging shakeup for the next edition of MasterChef Celebrity, which is slated to premiere before the end of 2026. Leading figures Donato de Santis and Damián Betular are unlikely to return, while star chef Germán Martitegui has expressed deep uncertainty regarding his future with the reality cooking competition.
A judging panel in transition
cluster (priority): El Intransigente
The foundation of the hit culinary reality show is shifting as the network prepares for a new season intended to cover the upcoming summer months. The stability of the program has been thrown into doubt by the potential departure of its most recognizable faces.
According to Diario El Día de La Plata, Donato de Santis has already confirmed that he will not be returning for the next edition, citing exhaustion. The loss of his expertise is compounded by the scheduling conflicts of fellow judge Damián Betular. Betular is reportedly facing a heavily loaded year due to his participation in the production of Hairspray, making the intensive recording requirements of the reality format difficult to sustain.
Judge
Current Status
Stated or Reported Reason
Donato de Santis
Confirmed departure
Exhaustion/Tiredness
Damián Betular
Likely departure
Scheduling conflicts with Hairspray
Germán Martitegui
Uncertain
Demanding format and long hours
The heavy toll of the MasterChef format
While some departures are confirmed, others remain in a state of professional limbo. Germán Martitegui, a central figure of the show, has voiced significant reservations about the lifestyle required to maintain a role on the panel.
Speaking on the program Sálvese quien pueda, Martitegui highlighted the personal sacrifices demanded by the production schedule.
“I am not preparing for the next season, I have no idea. I don’t know if I will be there. It puts your whole life, your family, your work on pause, it is many hours and I really don’t know.
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The chef also suggested that the production team has not provided clear communication regarding the upcoming season, leaving the current staff in the dark.
“I’m sure there is a list of people who want to be a judge. I don’t know if it continues, they didn’t notify us, we don’t know anything ourselves.” Germán Martitegui, via <a href="https://elintransigente.
Despite the uncertainty, industry insiders noted that the judges maintain a long-standing bond with the channel, even if formal contracts are not currently the primary driver of their involvement.
Potential new faces and host stability
As the judging lineup faces a potential exodus, the spotlight is shifting toward the host and possible new participants. Wanda Nara, who recently won a Martín Fierro award for Best Host, remains the face of the franchise, but she may soon be working with an entirely different panel.
Speculation regarding replacements is already underway. Donato de Santis has suggested that a woman could potentially fill his vacancy, and some industry observers have raised the possibility of Maru Botana joining the show.
On the contestant side, rumors are swirling about the inclusion of model Daniela Christiansson. Her partner, Maxi López, recently addressed the possibility of her joining the competition in an interview with SQP.
López expressed a mix of amusement and apprehension regarding the prospect of Christiansson competing alongside Nara, stating, wp:quote “I’m afraid of the duo with Wanda.” López, via TN
Beyond the kitchen, López also shared reflections on his family’s recent move to Argentina, describing the emotional reunion of his children as a moment where they were wp:quote “finally all together.”
<!– /wp:paragraph The production team's failure to provide updates has left the current judges unaware of their participation in the next season.
