Coronation Street veteran Sue Cleaver revealed she almost sliced off her index finger on the first day of Celebrity MasterChef. The injury caused a brief panic, but medical staff quickly treated her, allowing her to continue cooking.

  • Sue Cleaver cut her right index finger with a Japanese knife on day one
  • The knife was a gift from her son for the show
  • Prompt medical care let her resume cooking in the competition

Incident Details

62‑year‑old actress, best known for playing Eileen Grimshaw from 2000‑2025 on Coronation Street, suffered a cut to her right index finger while chopping salad on the BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef. She exclaimed, “Oh, plaster already. I’ve cut myself. It didn’t take long. I nearly cut my finger off, and it’s only day one. I’m panicking a bit.”

Judge Giorgio Locatelli immediately identified the weapon, saying, “That’s a Japanese knife. It’s a very sharp one.” Fellow judge and food critic Grace Dent added, “I’m a massive Corrie fan. This is like meeting The Queen!”

Competing Celebrities

Cleaver joins Una Healy, Melvin Odoom, Lauren Steadman and Max Fosh in the final week of heats on September 1. This series marks a new era for the show, as former hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode stepped away after July 2025.

Historical Background

Celebrity MasterChef debuted in 2010, giving stars a chance to prove culinary chops under pressure. Over the years, the format has evolved, featuring musicians, comedians and athletes, making the competition a cultural touchstone for British reality TV.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that on‑air kitchen accidents amplify viewer engagement, driving higher ratings and social‑media buzz. Cleaver’s near‑miss highlights both the personal resilience of participants and the need for stricter safety protocols on live cooking shows.

“The presence of on‑set medical teams and strict knife‑handling guidelines are essential for the safety of reality‑TV kitchens.” – Culinary safety expert Dr. Anika Patel
Did You Know?: Sue Cleaver announced her departure from Coronation Street after 25 years in 2024, yet she remains one of the most beloved characters in British soap history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Did Sue Cleaver have to leave the competition after the injury?

A: No, she received prompt medical attention and was able to continue cooking in the heats.

Q2: Who are the judges on this season of Celebrity MasterChef?

A: Giorgio Locatelli and Grace Dent serve as the main judges, providing both culinary expertise and supportive feedback.