MasterChef confirms Gregg Wallace and John Torode replacements as first-ever female duo

The BBC has announced the official replacements for John Torode and Gregg Wallace on MasterChef going forward. Torode and Wallace were fired from the programme earlier this year after an inquiry into allegations of Wallace's misconduct upheld 40 claims against him, while Torode was found to have used severely offensive racist language.

Now, the BBC has confirmed that food critic Grace Dent and chef Anna Haugh will be the next hosts of MasterChef. Grace has regularly appeared on MasterChef as a critic over the last decade - and competed on the show back in 2023 for a Battle of the Critics special.

Anna is best known as the Chef Patron of Myrtle Restaurant and a TV presenter. She was a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2022 and will appear as a judge in the final week of this year's MasterChef.

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Grace said in a statement that she is "over the moon" to be returning to the MasterChef kitchen.

"It’s a joy to be working with Anna, who brings all her incredible experience to the table. I am in for such a treat with this series, I can’t wait to get started," she said.

Meanwhile, Anna added: "I’m delighted to be back on MasterChef and judging alongside the wonderful Grace Dent, whose writing and with I’ve admired for years. MasterChef has long inspired and resonated with cooks in home kitchens and of course in my industry.

"I can’t wait to get into the studio for what will be a great competition."

MasterChef Executive Editor, David Ambler, gave a "big welcome" to Grace and Anna, saying in a statement: "Both are enormously respected in the hospitality industry and we can’t wait for them to uncover some more great cooking talent - from home kitchens across the country.”

Meanwhile, the Head of Entertainment Commissioning, Kalpna Patel-Knight, said: "Grace and Anna are already part of the MasterChef family and together have culinary credentials that are second to none.

"Both viewers watching the series and the amateur cooks taking part can be assured that in the search for the next MasterChef UK Champion, Grace and Anna know exactly what is needed in order to rise to the top!

It comes after MasterChef's new presenters were revealed to The Sun yesterday as Grace and Anna. A source told the publication: "It’s really exciting that two women are judging the show, especially as, historically, it’s been dominated by men, but coming to the decision hasn’t been easy.

"Grace and Anna have brilliant chemistry. They know it’s a big responsibility and can’t wait to deliver for the fans."

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