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Grace Dent to Replace Gregg Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef Following Allegations

Grace Dent to Replace Gregg Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef Following Allegations

Grace Dent, the acclaimed food critic and author, will take over the hosting duties for the next Celebrity MasterChef series following Gregg Wallace’s departure. Wallace stepped back from the show after a BBC News investigation revealed allegations of inappropriate sexual comments by 13 individuals who had worked with him over the years.

Grace Dent to Replace Gregg Wallace on Celebrity

Dent, who has long been a familiar face on the MasterChef series, is excited to step into the role, having appeared on the show multiple times as a guest critic and as a contestant on MasterChef: Battle of the Critics in 2023. In a statement about her new role, Dent expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “This is more than a dream to me. I have been watching MasterChef since I was a little girl, sitting with my dad on the sofa. My whole family watches it. It’s all about uncovering and championing talent, and to have ended up in this position is truly incredible.”

As one of the country’s most prominent restaurant critics, Dent’s credentials make her an ideal fit for the role. She is currently the restaurant critic for The Guardian and hosts the popular podcast Comfort Eating with Grace Dent. Dent’s food expertise and long-standing relationship with the MasterChef franchise have won her praise from fans and colleagues alike. She is no stranger to the limelight, having been a contestant on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2023. However, her time in the Australian jungle was cut short due to medical reasons, marking a brief but memorable chapter in her television career.

John Torode, who has co-hosted MasterChef since 2005, will remain on the show as the primary host alongside Dent. Torode expressed his excitement about working with Dent in the new season, calling her an “excellent guest and inspiring critic” and saying he has always “loved working with her.” He added, “Grace brings a wealth of experience and expertise to MasterChef, both in the kitchen and as a critic. Her insight and passion for food make her the perfect person to step in alongside me as a judge for Celebrity MasterChef.”

Torode’s admiration for Dent extends beyond her television appearances. As a highly respected critic, Dent’s presence on Celebrity MasterChef is expected to bring a fresh perspective and continue the show’s legacy of celebrating culinary talent. “The love of food, the love of MasterChef, and that unquestionable expertise make Grace the perfect person to step in for the forthcoming series,” Torode said.

Gregg Wallace, who had co-hosted Celebrity MasterChef with Torode for many years, stepped down following the allegations. Wallace’s legal team has firmly denied the claims, stating that the accusations of inappropriate behaviour are entirely false. Despite Wallace’s departure, the show’s producers have emphasised that it focuses on the contestants and their culinary journeys.

The BBC’s investigation into Wallace’s alleged conduct led to the broadcaster pulling its MasterChef Christmas specials this year, a decision that has left fans eagerly awaiting the new series in 2025. It is unclear whether Dent will also replace Wallace in other MasterChef formats, such as the regular amateur series or the international editions.

Dent’s transition into the host role significantly changes the MasterChef franchise. Still, it is one that many fans are excited about—her deep love of food and passion for storytelling promise to bring new energy to the show. Dent is eager to get started with a fresh lineup of celebrity contestants expected for the 2025 series. “I feel fortunate to be stepping in for the next Celebrity MasterChef series,” she said. “I can’t wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025.”

While the regular MasterChef series is currently in production, Dent’s arrival as Celebrity MasterChef host brings optimism and excitement for the show’s future. The following season promises to be a landmark series, with a new host bringing her unique style and expertise to one of the UK’s most beloved cooking competitions. Fans can look forward to seeing Dent’s leadership as she uncovers fresh talent and champions the stars of the culinary world.

The BBC has yet to confirm whether Wallace will return to any future MasterChef productions, but for now, Dent is set to take the reins and lead Celebrity MasterChef into its next chapter. As she embarks on this new role, Dent’s passion for food and connection to the show ensure that the next series will be remembered.

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