MasterChef host Gregg Wallace has been replaced for the show’s Celebrity version, the BBC has confirmed. MasterChef Christmas specials were pulled from the Beeb’s listings earlier this month, amid allegations against Mr Wallace.
The decision represented a change in the broadcaster’s position, after the broadcaster had originally said that all MasterChef episodes filmed would air as planned. Mr Wallace stepped aside from hosting the cooking show earlier this month after an investigation revealed allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and inappropriate behaviour against him. His lawyers have denied he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.
Today, Wednesday, BBC chiefs have said author and podcaster Grace Dent will be the new Celebrity MasterChef host, having been a regular guest on MasterChef, and last year appearing a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics. In a statement, she said hosting the show was “more than a dream to me” and said she felt “very lucky” to be taking the reins.
John Torode, who will remain on the show and host alongside Grace, said he had “loved” working with her over the years, describing her as an “excellent guest and inspiring critic”. Grace, 51, is also the restaurant critic for the Guardian and hosts a podcast called Comfort Eating with Grace Dent, was a contestant on I’m a Celebrity in 2023.
But she left the Australian jungle after just a week, on medical grounds.