Grace Dent and Anna Haugh have taken over as judges on MasterChef, with Dent admitting she never imagined she would one day be a critic on the show she watched as a child. Dent, a restaurant critic for The Guardian, said she and her father used to laugh at the critics on the programme, thinking their opinions on food were overblown. Now, she finds herself in that role alongside chef Haugh.
The pair, who have previously appeared as guest judges, say their relationship has grown closer through working together. Haugh noted that they often finish each other's sentences. Despite their on-screen chemistry, Dent joked that she would need to wear a wig and glasses to review Haugh's London restaurant Myrtle, which she has not done.
MasterChef has faced controversy in recent years, with former host Gregg Wallace leaving in 2024 after an investigation substantiated 45 allegations against him, including inappropriate sexual language. Co-host John Torode was also let go after an allegation of racist language was upheld. Dent and Haugh said they do not feel pressure to save the show, with Haugh emphasising the support of the production team.
Dent said she focuses on the future rather than the past, describing the role as 'full-on and difficult'. The first episode of the new series features a contestant adding flour to a hollandaise sauce, which Haugh described as 'not looking forward to tasting'. The new judges aim to bring authenticity and a focus on the contestants.
