MasterChef has reportedly found its new presenters, with food critic Grace Dent and chef Anna Haugh set to take over the flagship BBC cooking show. The duo are said to have been chosen after Tom Kerridge was ruled out due to his advertising work with Marks and Spencer.
The BBC programme has faced challenges since Gregg Wallace and John Torode were dismissed earlier this year following a report that upheld conduct complaints against them. Filming for the next series, the first in two decades without Wallace and Torode, is scheduled to begin imminently.
According to The Sun, Dent, 51, and Haugh, 44, beat competition from Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing for the roles. A TV source told the publication: 'It’s really exciting that two women are judging the show, especially as, historically, it’s been dominated by men. Grace and Anna have brilliant chemistry.'
Haugh previously stepped into Wallace’s spot for the final episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals when allegations against him first emerged last Christmas. MasterChef is contracted to air on the BBC until at least 2028.
