Gregg Wallace to be ‘replaced by I’m a Celeb star’ on BBC MasterChef
The replacement for Gregg Wallace, 60, at the helm of the BBC’s flagship cooking show MasterChef has reportedly been set by the BBC.
Wallace stepped down from the role after production company Banijay UK launched an investigation into claims lodged by several women of inappropriate sexual behaviour across the host and judge’s 17-year TV career.
A number of accusations from both high-profile celebrity guests and staff were made against Wallace since the initial allegations were made.
Wallace’s lawyers have previously strenuously denied any wrongdoing, saying: “It is entirely false that he (Wallace) engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
Despite the denials, the former greengrocer has “quietly conceded” has time at MasterChef is over.
Now, the BBC is allegedly moving in the direction of a regular MasterChef guest judge and former I’m a Celebrity contestant to replace the embattled 60-year-old.
Grace Dent is set to be announced as Gregg Wallace’s replacement, The Sun reports.
If chosen, the 51-year-old food critic will join John Torode as co-host – becoming the first female judge on the main show.
The BBC is expected to make the announcement next week that Dent will form a new presenting duo with Torode, 59.
A TV source revealed: “Grace is the perfect choice to replace Gregg on Masterchef. She’s knowledgeable about food and opinionated, plus it’s great to have a woman as a judge on the show.”
The source also told The Sun: “She is already a fan favourite and has won lots of respect in the foodie world thanks to her no-nonsense style and sense of humour.”
Dent has established herself as a prominent food critic, having written restaurant columns for both The Guardian from 2011 to 2017 and the Evening Standard.
The 51-year-old has also featured in a brief stint on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2023.
The critic was forced to leave the jungle after just eight days in the Camp, sharing her short time with contestants like Nigel Farage and fellow foodie Fred Sirieix.
A spokesman for ITV confirmed Dent left the show on “medical grounds” hours after she was chosen to take on the next trial with Josie Gibson.
In a lengthy Instagram statement after her exit, she explained the experience had been too much for her but had given her a new perspective on life.
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“I hope I gave you all a smile. I didn’t go out as I planned or I wanted, but I did what I could, and I did it in a siren red gel manicure without chipping a nail,” she wrote.
The organisation declined to comment on the potential appointment when approached by GB News.