Food critic Grace Dent is set to host the next series of Celebrity MasterChef following Gregg Wallace’s decision to step back from the show amid allegations against him.
Dent, an author and podcaster, is no stranger to MasterChef. She has made frequent guest appearances on the show and competed in MasterChef: Battle of the Critics last year.
In a statement, Dent described hosting the series as "more than a dream," expressing gratitude for the opportunity. "I feel very lucky to be taking the reins," she added.
John Torode, who will continue as a co-host, praised Dent, calling her an "excellent guest and inspiring critic." Torode said, "I have loved working with Grace over the years. She brings expertise, passion, and an undeniable love of food, making her the perfect fit for the role."
Wallace’s departure follows a BBC News investigation in which 13 individuals accused him of inappropriate sexual comments. Wallace’s lawyers have denied the allegations, calling them "entirely false."
It remains unclear whether Dent will also replace Wallace in other MasterChef franchise series.
Dent, 51, is a restaurant critic for The Guardian and hosts the podcast Comfort Eating with Grace Dent. She also briefly appeared on I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2023, leaving the show after a week for medical reasons.
Reflecting on her new role, Dent said: "I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a girl, sitting on the sofa with my dad. It’s all about uncovering and championing talent, and to end up here is beyond my wildest dreams. I’m so excited, I can’t eat—which, as a restaurant critic, is a bit of a problem! I can’t wait to meet the new celebrity contestants for 2025."
Torode added, "Grace has set incredible challenges on MasterChef as a guest, and her expertise is unmatched. The love of food and this show makes her the ideal choice to join me as a judge for the upcoming Celebrity MasterChef series."
