The popular cooking competition Celebrity MasterChef has returned to BBC One with a significant change, welcoming Grace Dent as a new permanent judge following the departure of Gregg Wallace.
A New Era for MasterChef
The new series, which began on Monday, November 17, marks a fresh chapter for the show. Grace Dent, a well-known restaurant critic and former guest on the programme, has officially taken over the judging role. She joins John Torode, who is appearing in this celebrity series but will also be replaced for the next amateur edition.
The opening of the show highlighted the change, with Torode announcing, "Brand new kitchen, brand new celebrities, brand new judge... Grace Dent." Dent responded with "I'm here!" before Torode added, "The bling's in the room." Dent later confessed to her nerves, stating she hadn't been able to sleep for weeks and that she was worried the celebrities would see her emotional side.
Viewers React to the New Judge
Almost immediately after the broadcast began, viewers took to social media to share their positive reactions to Grace Dent's debut. One fan on X wrote, "I love Grace Dent she’ll smash this presenting role." Another echoed the sentiment, adding, "Loving Grace Dent already."
A third viewer commented on the broader refresh of the show, saying, "Great to have #CelebrityMasterChef back. Love the new set and the addition of little challenges like the palate test. Grace Dent is the perfect addition as a host and judge too, breathing new life into the whole show." Another user humorously noted, "Watching some of this lot cook Grace Dent will wish she was back in the jungle," referencing her past stint on I'm A Celebrity.
Behind the Judging Shake-Up
The appointment of Dent comes after Gregg Wallace was dismissed from MasterChef. An investigation into his behaviour led to his departure, with 45 out of 83 allegations being upheld against him. Wallace had been a judge on the show alongside John Torode since 2005.
Torode himself is also leaving the BBC after being accused of using an "extremely offensive racist term," an allegation he says he has "no recollection" of. He confirmed that this series of Celebrity MasterChef would be his last. The upcoming amateur series will see Grace Dent joined by a new co-host, presenter Anna Haugh.
Reflecting on her new role in an Instagram post ahead of her debut, Grace Dent expressed her commitment to the show, saying, "One of the saddest parts for me about what has happened in the last two years is watching something that I love, and I know is pretty damn perfect, be kicked repeatedly. I want to be at the helm of this show and I want us to be back in the headlines for all the right reasons."
The 2025 celebrity line-up features a diverse group of contestants, including singers Alfie Boe and Michelle Heaton, soap stars Katie McGlyn and Jamie Lomas, Welsh rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones, and writer and broadcaster Dawn O'Porter.
Celebrity MasterChef continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
