Maru Botana will be a judge on MasterChef Celebrity 2026 and MasterChef Junior on Telefe

Maru Botana, one of the most recognized chefs on Argentine television, officially confirmed her upcoming work projects on Telefe. In a recent interview, she revealed that she will be part of two reality shows that are already preparing to begin filming in the coming months.

The news came after some details were leaked, but the direct confirmation from the chef herself was still pending. During her appearance on the show Otro Día Perdido, on El Trece, where she was interviewed by Mario Pergolini, Botana assured that she will be a definitive judge in the new season of MasterChef Celebrity 2026.

In this way, she will replace Donato de Santis, who stepped down by his own decision. The chef will evaluate the dishes of the participants alongside her fellow judges, whose names have not yet been disclosed. The show is also surrounded by rumors of possible changes in the panel, with speculation about the departures of Damián Betular and Germán Martitegui.

In addition to her role in the celebrity edition, Botana announced that she will be a judge on MasterChef Junior. This reality show, aimed at children who want to compete in a fun and educational environment, recently opened its call for new participants.

A career marked by cooking reality shows

This is not the first time Maru Botana has joined this type of format. In 2024, she was part of the jury for Bake Off Famosos Argentina, a season in which Cande Molfese was crowned champion after defeating Cami Homs. She also participated in MasterChef Celebrity 2025, although on that occasion she did so only as a guest judge.

The difference now is clear: in the 2026 season, she will occupy a permanent spot on the main panel. This consolidation comes at a time when the chef maintains her media presence through her own show.

Currently, Botana hosts Al horno con Maru on La Casa Streaming, a show that airs every Monday and allows her to stay connected with the audience who loves home cooking and everyday recipes. The program has become a refuge for those who follow her approachable and educational style.

Regarding the timing of the new projects, there is still no official premiere date for MasterChef Celebrity 2026. However, sources from the channel indicate that everything is on track for the new season to kick off during the last quarter of the year.

The return of a consolidated format

MasterChef Celebrity has become one of the most-watched reality shows on Argentine open television. Botana's arrival as a permanent judge generates expectations among both the audience and those closely following the changes in the panel lineup.

On the other hand, MasterChef Junior targets a different segment, with young participants looking to learn and have fun in a competitive yet friendly environment. Botana's presence, known for her educational and approachable tone, seems to align with the spirit of this format aimed at new generations.

With these two confirmations, the chef expands her presence on Telefe and reinforces her place within the landscape of the country's major cooking reality shows. As the rest of the judges are defined and calls for participants progress, the audience is already beginning to anticipate what her style will be like when evaluating the dishes of celebrities and the younger contestants.