Restaurant critic Grace Dent has been announced as the judge for the next series of Celebrity MasterChef, joining John Torode. This comes amid a review into the usual co-host Gregg Wallace. Grace, who is 51 years old, will take on the role following the news that Wallace will step away due to an external review of historical allegations of misconduct. Grace has a long history with MasterChef, having regularly appeared as a guest and even being a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics last year. She expressed her excitement about the new gig, saying, "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."

Grace Dent - The Perfect Judge for Celebrity MasterChef

Grace Dent's Connection to MasterChef

Grace Dent has been a regular presence on MasterChef for years. Her love for the show started when she was a young girl, sitting on the sofa with her dad. This deep-rooted connection has now led her to the role of judge for the upcoming 20th series. Her experience as a guest and a contestant has given her unique insights into the world of MasterChef. She understands the importance of uncovering talent and has a passion for championing it. Her presence on the show will bring a new energy and perspective.She said, "MasterChef has always been a part of my life. I'm thrilled to be able to give back to the show and help discover the next generation of culinary stars."

The Expertise Grace Brings to the Role

John Torode praised Grace's expertise, stating, "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. Grace's knowledge and passion for food make her the perfect person to step in alongside me as judge for the forthcoming Celebrity MasterChef series."Grace's reputation as a world-renowned food critic gives her the credibility and authority to judge the contestants' skills. She has a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of flavors and techniques. Her feedback will be valuable to the contestants, helping them to grow and improve.She added, "I'm looking forward to using my expertise to guide the celebrities and help them bring out the best in themselves on the show."

The Impact on the Celebrity Contestants

Kalpna Patel-Knight, the BBC's head of entertainment, believes that Grace Dent is the perfect choice to step in for the next series. She said, "Grace Dent 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."The celebrities participating in the show will face a new challenge with Grace as the judge. Her tough yet fair approach will push them to their limits and help them to develop their culinary skills. She will provide them with the guidance and support they need to succeed.One of the celebrities said, "Having Grace as a judge is both exciting and intimidating. She has a lot of experience and knowledge, and I'm looking forward to learning from her."