Grace Dent Poised to Replace Gregg Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef

The BBC has confirmed it will not work with Gregg Wallace again following the substantiation of 45 allegations against him, leading to speculation that Grace Dent will take over as a judge on Celebrity MasterChef. The broadcaster described the situation with Wallace as “untenable,” marking a significant shift in the show’s lineup.

In 2024, the BBC launched an investigation into historical allegations of misconduct involving Wallace, who has hosted the popular cooking series since its inception in 2005. Of the 83 complaints examined, more than half were upheld, primarily concerning “inappropriate sexual language and humour.” Despite the findings, Wallace has denied the accusations. The BBC is expected to announce his replacement in the coming weeks, with Dent emerging as a strong candidate.

Grace Dent: A Versatile Career in Journalism and Television

Dent, 51, is no stranger to the culinary world, having appeared on various editions of MasterChef since 2014. She briefly filled in as a judge during the investigation into Wallace and is set to present the 2025 season of Celebrity MasterChef. Dent expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa. It’s all about uncovering and championing talent, and to have ended up in this position is more than a dream to me.”

Her career began after studying English Literature at university, where she wrote features for Cosmopolitan and later worked as an editorial assistant for Marie Claire. As a freelance journalist, Dent has contributed to numerous national publications, including The Guardian, where she has served as a head restaurant critic since 2018. She has adopted a predominantly vegan lifestyle since the early 2010s.

In addition to her writing career, Dent has made a name for herself in television and radio, producing nine seasons of the celebrity food podcast Comfort Eating. Her on-screen experience includes guest judging roles on various MasterChef formats and appearances on shows like Great British Menu and Have I Got News for You.

Personal Life and Future Prospects

While Dent typically keeps her private life private, she has shared insights into her relationship with Charles, whom she began dating after connecting on social media. Despite not living together, she has mentioned that he spends much of his time at her home. Dent has also expressed her feelings about motherhood, noting that while she enjoys children, she never wanted to have any.

As the controversy surrounding Wallace unfolds, he has publicly defended his reputation, stating that he has been cleared of the most serious allegations. In a statement released on July 8, 2024, he asserted his innocence and criticized the BBC for its handling of the situation. Wallace’s claims of discrimination based on his autism spectrum diagnosis have added another layer to the ongoing narrative.

The transition from Wallace to Dent represents a significant evolution in the MasterChef franchise, one that reflects the changing dynamics of television and public expectations regarding accountability. With her extensive background in journalism and culinary critique, Dent is well-positioned to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved series as it moves forward.