Anna Haugh and Grace Dent named as new MasterChef hosts

Grace Dent and Anna Haugh have been named as the new judges for the upcoming 22^nd amateur series of MasterChef.

The pair replace Gregg Wallace and John Torode, who were both sacked from the show this summer.

Dent is restaurant critic at the Guardian while Irish chef Haugh is chef patron at Myrtle in London’s Chelsea.

The pair have both made regular appearances on MasterChef; Dent has been a guest critic for over a decade and will judge the next series of Celebrity MasterChef.

Haugh was a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2022 and replaced Wallace in the final episodes of the current amateur series, which was filmed at the end of last year.

The BBC has already confirmed that TV chef Matt Tebbutt will replace Wallace on the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals.

Dent said: "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."

Haugh said she had admired Dent’s “writing and wit” for years.

“MasterChef has long inspired and resonated with cooks in home kitchens and of course in my industry. I can’t wait to get into the studio for what will be a great competition,” said Haugh.

The changes come after a report found 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Wallace were substantiated, the majority of which related to inappropriate sexual language and humour.

Wallace said he “never set out to harm or humiliate” and was “deeply sorry for any distress” his behaviour caused.

The investigation also upheld an allegation that Torode had used racist language, although the chef said he had “no recollection of the incident” and did not believe it had happened.

The BBC has continued to air the final amateur edition of the show featuring Wallace and Torode, claiming the decision was taken in consultation with the contestants.

However, it has since emerged two contestants have requested to be edited out following the allegations against the two presenters.