Food Critic and Broadcaster Steps into the Role Following Wallace’s Exit

The BBC has officially announced that Grace Dent will replace Gregg Wallace as the new co-host of MasterChef following his departure from the show after two decades. Wallace, 60, chose to step away amidst allegations surrounding inappropriate remarks made to staff and guests, though he has strongly denied these accusations.

Dent, 51, is already a familiar face to MasterChef viewers, having appeared regularly as a sharp and insightful food critic. Beyond her role on the cooking competition, she is an established journalist, broadcaster, and author. Last year, Dent left her participation in I’m a Celebrity due to “medical grounds,” but she has now embraced this new role with great enthusiasm.

Dent shared her excitement, stating: “I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a little girl sitting on the sofa with my dad. My whole family watches it. It’s all about finding and supporting talent, and being in this role is more than a dream come true. I’m so excited I can’t eat, which is very problematic for a restaurant critic.”

John Torode, the show’s co-presenter since 2005, expressed his joy at Dent’s appointment. He praised her as an inspiring critic and a valuable addition to the show, adding: “Grace is the perfect choice. Her expertise, passion for food, and insight into what makes MasterChef great will bring fresh energy to the show.”

The BBC’s head of entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight, also commented positively on the move: “Grace is an experienced and established member of the MasterChef family and a world-renowned food critic. She will bring a fresh dynamic to the upcoming series of Celebrity MasterChef.”

Reports had circulated earlier this week suggesting that Dent was the frontrunner for the role. Sources noted that her expertise and perspective would inject much-needed energy into the show following a difficult period.

While Wallace has remained firm in his denial of any wrongdoing, stating that previous investigations by the BBC six years ago found no evidence of misconduct, the broadcaster has maintained that it takes all allegations seriously and enforces strict behaviour standards.

As Grace Dent takes the next step in her career, anticipation is already building for the upcoming MasterChef series as she joins Torode to guide a new group of celebrity competitors.