Grace Dent, the new host of MasterChef, has discussed how she’s getting along with John Torode and Gregg Wallace, after taking over from them on the BBC program.
The 52-year-old food critic will co-host the 2026 series with Anna Haugh, 44, and said he felt it was time to bring a different perspective to the cooking competition, moving away from its traditionally male-dominated feel.
Gregg was fired after an investigation confirmed over 40 complaints about his behavior, which included offensive sexual comments and unwanted touching. John was also terminated after being accused of using a racial slur.
She fondly spoke about her close friend, John, who was eliminated from MasterChef after they co-hosted a season together. However, she also confessed that her feelings about Gregg weren’t important, and she no longer believed he was who she’d initially thought.
Let me tell you, I’m a huge fan of John Torode! He’s genuinely one of the nicest people I know – so kind, considerate, and incredibly insightful. He really puts thought into everything he does, and it shines through. He’s just a wonderful person.
Regarding Gregg, she explained that her memories of enjoying time with him – like having coffee and a biscuit – didn’t matter now. She felt it was pointless to say she didn’t recognize the person described in the BBC report, because her personal opinion wasn’t the issue.
She acknowledged ignoring public statements made by Gregg after he was fired, including his accusations that his background played a role, as she focused on settling into her new position.
Grace, a returning guest on the show, described it as traditionally dominated by men, but she and Anna plan to change that with their new leadership roles.
She told The Times that the atmosphere had always been very masculine, and she’s thrilled to now have a female companion with her. She described it as ‘fantastic’.
I saw John’s post last week, and honestly, it really resonated with me. He said he’s at a point where he doesn’t feel like he needs to prove his worth to anyone – he knows he’s a good person, and that’s enough for him. It was a really powerful message, and I admire him for saying it.
Look, I’ve realized something really freeing: I’m not responsible for earning anyone’s approval. I focus on my own life and happiness. I’m definitely not going to try and fix problems that aren’t mine, or waste energy proving my value to others. It’s about self-respect and knowing my worth without needing external validation.
‘Whatever you do is on you – and that’s your journey, not mine. As for me? I’m moving forward.’
John began co-hosting the show with Grace, but he later found out through the BBC News website that he had been let go.
He published his newest message the same day Tim Davie stepped down as director-general of the BBC. Davie had been with the BBC for two decades, and his resignation followed worries about the organization’s neutrality. Specifically, questions were raised about how a speech given by President Trump on January 6, 2021, was presented in a Panorama documentary.
Since Tim took the top job in 2020, the corporation has faced many crises.
Recent controversies include the legal case involving newsreader Huw Edwards regarding indecent images of children, the departure of presenters Gregg and John from MasterChef, and a performance at Glastonbury by Bob Vylan during which the lead singer chanted ‘Death to the IDF’.
It now appears John has moved on from MasterChef and accepted his fate.
Lisa Faulkner, John Torode’s wife, shared with Daily Mail that ‘MasterChef won’t be quite the same without him, but he’s recovering well.’
And John previously said: ‘Life goes on! I’ve had a lot of support and I’m very grateful.’
Gregg is taking legal action against the BBC, claiming he suffered distress and harassment after being fired in July.
The former host of MasterChef is suing the BBC and BBC Studios Distribution Limited for up to £10,000, claiming they didn’t protect his private information, as stated in legal filings.
Following a report confirming several past complaints, he issued an apology. The report, conducted by Banijay UK – the production company behind the cooking show – substantiated claims of inappropriate language and jokes, as well as one instance of unwanted physical contact.
But Gregg has claimed suggested his recently diagnosed autism had played a part in his conduct.
Even though two celebrity MasterChef specials from last year were never shown, the BBC is filming two more new ones for this Christmas.
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2025-11-16 13:08