Celebrity MasterChef has returned to BBC One with a new judge and a line-up including Welsh rugby hero Alun Wyn Jones
Grace Dent has joined Celebrity MasterChef as judge(Image: BBC)
BBC Celebrity MasterChef has returned to our television screens with Grace Dent stepping in to replace disgraced Gregg Wallace as one of the judges.
Grace, previously a frequent guest critic on the programme, has assumed the role from Wallace who was dismissed following an investigation into his conduct that saw 45 out of 83 allegations against him upheld.
Whilst John Torode is also being substituted for the upcoming amateur series, he’s appearing alongside Grace in the current celebrity edition where the lineup features 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. Read full details here.
As the programme commenced, Torode declared: “Brand new kitchen, brand new celebrities, brand new judge… Grace Dent.”
She responded: “I’m here!” Before Torode continued: “The bling’s in the room,” reports the Mirror.
Grace is a co-host with John Torode(Image: BBC/Shine TV)READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing makes huge announcement that could ‘change everything’READ MORE: BBC Strictly fans say same thing after Vicky Pattison’s TV show absence
Grace subsequently cautioned: “I haven’t been able to sleep for weeks thinking about this moment here. I’m a feared restaurant critic – these celebrities can’t know I’m emotional.”
Within moments of the fresh series debuting on Monday, November 17, viewers flocked to social media platform X to share their opinions on Grace.
One commented: “I love Grace Dent she’ll smash this presenting role.”
Another remarked: “Loving Grace Dent already.”
A third said: “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 added: “Watching some of this lot cook Grace Dent will wish she was back in the jungle.”
Prior to her MasterChef judging debut, Grace – a former I’m A Celebrity contestant – posted on her Instagram: “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 line-up includes Welshman Alun Wyn Jones(Image: BBC)
Wallace had been fronting MasterChef alongside John Torode since 2005, who has also been axed by the BBC after he was accused of using “an extremely offensive racist term”.
In a statement, Torode said he had “no recollection” of the allegation, and that Celebrity MasterChef would be his final series.
He recorded the programme with Grace, who previously took part in MasterChef: Battle of the Critics.
Grace will be partnered by presenter Anna Haugh for the forthcoming amateur series of MasterChef, it was revealed earlier this year.
In a statement after their positions were confirmed, Grace said: “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. I am in for such a treat with this series, I can’t wait to get started.”
Celebrity MasterChef is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
