Dent to replace Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef
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John Torode and Grace Dent will present the next series of Celebrity MasterChef. Pic: Shine TV
Food critic Grace Dent is set to take over as the host of the next series of Celebrity MasterChef, replacing Gregg Wallace after he stepped down following allegations of inappropriate behavior. Dent, a prominent author and podcaster, has been a familiar face on the show as a guest judge and was also a contestant on MasterChef: Battle of the Critics last year.
In a statement, Dent expressed her excitement, calling the opportunity to host Celebrity MasterChef “more than a dream” and noting how “lucky” she feels to step into this role. She shared that she has been watching the show for years, fondly remembering times spent with her father, which made this opportunity all the more special.
John Torode, who has been a judge on MasterChef since its inception in 2005, will continue his role and will co-host the show with Dent. Torode praised Dent as both an “excellent guest” and “inspiring critic,” highlighting their successful partnership over the years.
Gregg Wallace’s departure from the show follows an investigation by BBC News, which reported allegations from 13 individuals who accused Wallace of making inappropriate sexual comments. Wallace has firmly denied the allegations through his lawyers, who stated that the claims of harassment are entirely false.
While it is unclear whether Dent will take over Wallace’s role in other MasterChef franchises, including the regular amateur version, the announcement regarding Celebrity MasterChef comes at a time of significant changes for the show.
Dent, 51, is a renowned restaurant critic for The Guardian and hosts the popular podcast Comfort Eating with Grace Dent. She also gained public attention in 2023 when she was a contestant on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, although she left the Australian jungle after just one week due to medical reasons.
In her statement, Dent reflected on the immense joy she felt joining the MasterChef family, stating that she had always dreamed of this moment. “It’s all about uncovering and championing talent, and to have ended up in this position is more than a dream to me,” she said. She also added with a touch of humor, “I’m so excited I can’t eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic.”
Torode expressed his support for Dent, emphasizing her expertise and passion for food. He said, “The love of food, the love of MasterChef, and that unquestionable expertise make Grace the perfect person to step in alongside me as judge for the forthcoming Celebrity MasterChef series.”
While the Celebrity MasterChef series is still some months away, the regular MasterChef show is understood to be in production for its upcoming season. The BBC had previously canceled its MasterChef Christmas specials following the allegations against Wallace, leaving fans eager for updates on the future of the franchise.
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