Celebrity MasterChef viewers have overwhelmingly embraced Grace Dent as the programme's new permanent judge following Thursday's episode on BBC. The 52-year-old food critic, previously a guest judge on the show, has now become a full-time fixture after Gregg Wallace's dismissal earlier this year.
Viewers Applaud New Judging Style
Fans took to social media to express their approval of Dent's performance, with many noting her different approach compared to previous judges. Twitter users penned enthusiastic comments including: 'Grace is lovely a bit of humour and humility. She is good for the #celebritymasterchef better than Greggs!' and 'I am really loving Grace dent as a judge.'
Other viewers appreciated the calmer atmosphere Dent brings to the kitchen, with one noting: 'Thankfully no Greg yelling at the chefs to hurry up. Grace seems to have a calming effect.' Another viewer admitted: 'I didn't like Grace Dent when she was an occasional guest judge in previous series, but now she's a full time judge and I've grown to like her. She has an imperious look but is funny and rather kind.'
Controversy Surrounding Previous Presenters
The praise for Dent comes amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the show's previous presenters. Viewers were surprised to see John Torode still presenting when the show returned on Monday, despite being axed by the BBC months earlier.
In July, Torode was dismissed after being accused of using a racist slur, following Gregg Wallace's sacking after more than 40 complaints about his conduct were upheld, including inappropriate sexual language and unwelcome physical contact.
The BBC revealed that airing the series featuring Torode hadn't been a 'straightforward decision', but confirmed that every celebrity contestant and guest had given their blessing for the episodes to be broadcast.
Future of MasterChef
Looking ahead, Grace Dent will take over full-time when she joins Anna Haugh, 44, to present the 2026 series. Dent has previously spoken about wanting to rescue the cookery competition from what she described as 'male energy'.
In recent interviews, Dent opened up about her relationships with both former presenters. She described John Torode as a 'friend for life' and 'one of the kindest, most concerned, clever, thoughtful men that I know'. Regarding Gregg Wallace, she admitted that after reading the BBC report, her previous positive recollections of him had become 'irrelevant'.
Thursday's episode saw Anthony Costa, Kate McGlynn and Ginger Johnson progress to the semi-final, marking another successful installment in the newly refreshed format that viewers appear to be embracing.
