Grace Dent and Anna Haugh will reportedly replace Gregg Wallace and John Torode as judges on the amateur cooking series MasterChef on BBC One
Food critic Grace Dent and Irish chef Anna Haugh are set to take over as MasterChef judges, replacing Gregg Wallace and John Torode, according to reports.
Grace, 51, and Anna, 44, will front the amateur cooking programme on BBC One following Gregg’s dismissal amid a string of misconduct allegations connected to his tenure on the show.
Gregg, 60, who also fronted spin-offs Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals, released an apology stating he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and that he “never set out to harm or humiliate” after an investigation which substantiated 45 out of 83 allegations made against him.
John, 60, who featured in the 21st series of MasterChef filmed last year, also departed the programme after facing an allegation of using racist language, which was upheld in the Lewis Silkin report.
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Anna, who operates Myrtle Restaurant and The Wee Sister wine bar in London, previously appeared as a guest judge on the 2022 series of MasterChef: The Professionals and allegedly stepped into Gregg’s shoes for the concluding episodes of the latest amateur series, reports Devon Live.
The Comfort Eating podcast presenter Grace was confirmed in December as Gregg’s successor for Celebrity MasterChef 2025, which has yet to broadcast, and apparently filmed episodes with John prior to his departure.
An insider revealed to The Sun: “It’s really exciting that two women are judging the show, especially as, historically, it’s been dominated by men, but coming to the decision hasn’t been easy.
“Grace and Anna have brilliant chemistry. They know it’s a big responsibility and can’t wait to deliver for the fans.”
BBC One has been contacted for a response.
Saturday brought the news that TV presenter and chef Matt Tebbutt, famed for his role on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen, will be stepping into Gregg’s shoes for the 18th series of MasterChef: The Professionals, joining culinary experts Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti on the judging panel.
Ahead of the new series, Matt expressed his excitement, calling it “an absolute honour” to work alongside Marcus and Monica, whom he referred to as “titans of the food world”.
“Their knowledge and uncompromising attitude is now the stuff of legend and I look forward to them taking me under their wing, and seeing the chefs get off to a flying start in the competition,” he added.
The MasterChef shows air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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