Renowned food critic Grace Dent has shared an unexpectedly emotional revelation about her experience filming the upcoming series of Celebrity MasterChef, confessing that one contestant's culinary creation brought her to tears.
The Tearful Tasting Moment
The 52-year-old journalist, who filmed the cooking competition earlier this year alongside veteran judge John Torode, 60, admitted she was completely surprised by her own emotional response during filming. Grace Dent told Radio Times that while she typically remains focused and professional during recordings, one particular dish broke through her composure.
'I didn't have time for emotion during filming. I was too busy presenting to think about home or my family or anything else,' she explained. 'Then one of the celebrities brought up this venison dish that was autumnal, and I just cried. But all of them were amazing, they all brought their personalities.'
A Transformed Judging Panel
This series marks significant changes behind the scenes of the popular BBC One programme, which returns to screens on Monday. Grace Dent replaced Gregg Wallace, the 61-year-old presenter who was dismissed following multiple misconduct allegations related to his time on the series.
Further changes occurred in September when Irish chef Anna Haugh, 44, was announced as John Torode's replacement. Torode lost his position after two decades following allegations he used 'racist language in 2018', though he claims to have 'no recollection' of the incident.
The BBC faced a complex situation as Grace had already completed filming Celebrity MasterChef with Torode before these developments. The broadcaster described the decision to feature the judge after the allegations as not 'straightforward', but confirmed that every celebrity contestant and guest featured in the upcoming series had given their blessing for it to air.
Transformative Cooking Experiences
Elsewhere in her interview, Grace revealed how the competition proved life-changing for one particular contestant who had previously restricted herself to a sugar-free diet. 'I remember one celebrity coming on and I don't think she'd really cooked that much until she arrived,' Grace recalled. 'She completely lacked confidence in herself.'
'Everything she did cook was mega-healthy, I don't think she ever allowed herself butter and sugar. But we got her cooking incredible steak and potatoes with sauces and buttery vegetables. From that moment, you could see her just come to life.'
The new series features an impressive lineup of fifteen celebrities competing over five weeks, including Alfie Boe, rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones, Blue's Antony Costa, Ashley Cain, Chris Hughes, and Dawn O'Porter. They're joined by Paralympian Gaz Choudhry MBE, drag artist Ginger Johnson, and pop star Michelle Heaton among others.
Speaking about her role on the revamped show, Grace expressed enthusiasm: 'I'm over the moon to be coming back to the MasterChef kitchen and unearthing what culinary skills people have been cooking up behind closed doors. It's a joy to be working with Anna, who brings all her incredible experience to the table.'
