• News
  • Life
  • TV & Film
  • Beauty
  • Style
  • Home
  • News
    • Celebrity
    • Entertainment
    • Politics
    • Royal Family
  • Life
    • Animals
    • Food & Drink
    • Women's Health
    • Mental Health
    • Sex & Relationships
    • Travel
    • Real Life
  • TV & Film
    • True Crime
    • Documentaries
    • Netflix
    • BBC
    • ITV
    • Tyla Recommends
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Make-up
    • Skincare
  • Style
    • Home
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
Submit Your Content
MasterChef announces Gregg Wallace replacement following sexual misconduct allegations

Home> Entertainment> TV & Film

Updated 10:39 18 Dec 2024 GMTPublished 10:17 18 Dec 2024 GMT

breaking

MasterChef announces Gregg Wallace replacement following sexual misconduct allegations

The BBC has announced who the new judge will be joining John Torode on the programme

Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle

Grace Dent has now been announced to step in as judge for the next series of Celebrity MasterChef.

Dent will be joining John Torode on the BBC programme following the news last month that former judge, Gregg Wallace, would step away from the role following an investigation into past allegations of misconduct.

The award-winning restaurant critic has been a regular guest on MasterChef for over a decade now and also competed as a contestant on last year’s MasterChef: Battle of the Critics 2023.

Preparing to take on the exciting new role, Dent 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. I’m so excited that I can’t eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic.

Advert

"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."

Torode is clearly also thrilled to be working alongside Dent, saying: "I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years.

MasterChef has announced Gregg Wallace's replacement, Grace Dent (Instagram/@gracedent)
MasterChef has announced Gregg Wallace's replacement, Grace Dent (Instagram/@gracedent)

"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.

Advert

"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, continued: "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."

Wallace has stepped away from the role following an investigation into past allegations of sexual misconduct (Jeff Spicer / Contributor / Getty Images)
Wallace has stepped away from the role following an investigation into past allegations of sexual misconduct (Jeff Spicer / Contributor / Getty Images)

Advert

And Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC added: "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."

Wallace left the BBC series due to historical misconduct allegations, with producers issuing a statement on the matter.

Banijay UK, the production company behind the TV show, said at the time: "This week, the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.

Advert

“Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.

John Torode is thrilled to welcome Dent as a judge on the programme (BBC)
John Torode is thrilled to welcome Dent as a judge on the programme (BBC)

“While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process.

“Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.

Advert

“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”

It added: "If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact [email protected] in confidence."

Wallace's lawyers have stated to the BBC that the allegations are completely false.

Featured Image Credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Smiley Charity Film Awards/BBC

Topics: BBC, Celebrity, Food and Drink, Gregg Wallace, TV And Film, UK News, News

Rhiannon Ingle
Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle is a Senior Journalist at Tyla, specialising in TV, film, travel, and culture. A graduate of the University of Manchester with a degree in English Literature, she honed her editorial skills as the Lifestyle Editor of The Mancunian, the UK’s largest student newspaper. With a keen eye for storytelling, Rhiannon brings fresh perspectives to her writing, blending critical insight with an engaging style. Her work captures the intersection of entertainment and real-world experiences.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

9 hours ago
12 hours ago
  • 9 hours ago

    Drake fans point out 'gross' detail after topless picture fuels bizarre 'fake abs' conspiracy theory

    Drake fans have been left feeling 'disturbed' and 'confused' after some weird pictures of the star went viral

    Entertainment
  • 9 hours ago

    'Poop cruise' survivors recall NSFW moment as viewers point out heartbreaking detail

    The Carnival Triumph was stranded at sea for four days before being towed back to Alabama

    Entertainment
  • 12 hours ago

    'Poop cruise' survivor used one shocking word to describe his experience and everyone is saying the same thing

    The Carnival Triumph was stranded off the coast of Mexico for several days

    Entertainment
  • 12 hours ago

    Khloé Kardashian sparks surprising theory after revealing every plastic surgery she’s had

    The Kardashians star took to Instagram to share a very frank list of what she's had done, which included 'salmon sperm facials'

    Entertainment
  • MasterChef star Gregg Wallace speaks out following rumours of ‘investigation’ over inappropriate messages
  • MasterChef star Gregg Wallace breaks silence after quitting show amid investigation
  • MasterChef star Gregg Wallace quits show after 19 years following investigation into him
  • MasterChef producers issue statement on Gregg Wallace quitting show after 19 years due to investigation