Restaurant critic and author Grace Dent has been announced as a judge for the upcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef. Dent, 51, will join long-time host John Torode in the celebrated BBC cooking competition, stepping into the role following Gregg Wallace’s departure. Wallace, a fixture of the series since its inception, has taken a step back amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct.
Dent, a familiar face on MasterChef, expressed her excitement at taking on the role. “I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a little girl sitting with my dad on the sofa,” she said. “To be part of something that champions culinary talent is more than a dream come true.”
A New Era for Celebrity MasterChef
Grace Dent has been a regular guest on the show, renowned for her discerning palate and witty critiques. In 2022, she competed in MasterChef: Battle of the Critics, demonstrating her deep understanding of food and storytelling.
“I’m thrilled to step into this role,” Dent shared. “Meeting the fresh celebrity faces for 2025 and guiding them through their culinary journey is something I’m eager to begin. Though I must admit, my excitement has been so intense I can barely eat—a tough predicament for a restaurant critic!”
John Torode, who has been with the show since 2005, welcomed his new co-judge with enthusiasm. “Grace has been an inspiring presence on MasterChef for years. Her expertise, love of food, and creative challenges make her the ideal choice for this role,” he said.
BBC Endorsement and Dent’s Accomplishments
Kalpna Patel-Knight, the BBC’s head of entertainment, called Dent the perfect addition to the Celebrity MasterChef judging panel. “Grace’s energy, expertise, and reputation as a world-renowned food critic will undoubtedly keep the contestants on their toes,” she said.
Outside of MasterChef, Dent is known for her acclaimed restaurant reviews in The Guardian and her popular food podcast, Comfort Eating. Her book, Comfort Eating: What We Eat When Nobody’s Looking, was released last year, following her 2020 memoir, Hungry.
Wallace Steps Back Amid Allegations
Gregg Wallace, who has co-hosted MasterChef since its inception, is stepping away during an external review into historical allegations of misconduct. While Wallace’s lawyers have strongly denied any claims of sexual harassment, his absence marks a significant change for the programme.
Despite the controversy, the series continues to move forward, with fans eagerly anticipating Dent’s addition to the judging panel.
The upcoming series of Celebrity MasterChef promises fresh energy and culinary excitement with Grace Dent’s expertise at the forefront. Her appointment signals a new chapter for the show, combining its storied history with an invigorated judging dynamic.
