Grace Dent replaces Gregg Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef
Grace Dent has been announced as Gregg Wallace's replacement for the new series of 'Celebrity MasterChef'.
Grace Dent will replace Gregg Wallace on 'Celebrity MasterChef'.
The 51-year-old restaurant critic - who has appeared as a regular guest on 'MasterChef' for over a decade and even competed on last year's 'MasterChef: Battle of the Critics' - has been confirmed for the next series of the celebrity edition after Wallace stepped back from co-presenting duties amid allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and inappropriate behaviour, which he profusely denies.
She said: "I’ve been watching 'MasterChef' since I was a 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 more than a dream to me.
"I’m so excited that I can’t eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic.
"I feel very lucky to be stepping in for the next 'Celebrity MasterChef'. I can’t wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025.”
John Torode described Grace as "the perfect person to step in" as his fellow judge for the upcoming series.
He added: “I have loved working with Grace on 'MasterChef' over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.
"Expertise is what 'MasterChef' is all about, from the contestants to our wonderful production team, to us as judges.
"The love of food, the love of 'MasterChef', and that unquestionable expertise, makes Grace the perfect person to step in alongside me as judge for the forthcoming 'Celebrity MasterChef' series.”
The show's executive editor David Ambler praised her "expertise, wit and finely honed palette", while Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, was also full of praise.
Kalpna said: "Grace Dent is the perfect choice to step in for the next series of 'Celebrity MasterChef'.
"Grace is not only an energetic and well-established member of the 'MasterChef' team, but is also a world renowned food critic, so she will certainly keep the next batch of celebrities on their toes.”
