Gregg Wallace is to be replaced by restaurant critic Grace Dent in the next series of the BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef programme.
Dent, a Guardian columnist and former I’m A Celebrity star, will join regular MasterChef presenter John Torode.
Wallace is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour from more than a dozen people across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
It was announced last month that he would step away from his presenting role on MasterChef amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct.
Dent has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year took part in MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics.
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.
John Torode said: “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.”
MasterChef executive editor, David Ambler, says: “Grace’s expertise, wit and finely honed palette will be great asset to the judging lineup and the celebrities will need to be sitting up straight for this series. We’re looking forward to welcoming Grace back in 2025 as we uncover a new Celebrity MasterChef champion.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC says: “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.”
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