Anna Haugh and Grace Dent for MasterChef 2026 / BBC
Grace Dent has admitted that she is “nervous” but “full of joy and happiness” as she prepares to take over as host of MasterChef.
The food critic, together with acclaimed chef Anna Haugh, were recently named as the permanent replacements for Gregg Wallace and John Torode starting from the 2026 series of the cookery show, which is currently being filmed.
Dent has been part of the MasterChef franchise for more than a decade in a guest judging capacity but will now be stepping up to the main role across the entire series.
Talking to the Daily Mail about the prospect, she said: “You have to have a bit of nerves to power you out of bed. This is the biggest, most important, iconic cooking show on television.
“I have to be nervous, but I’m more full of joy and happiness because when I walk into that studio, we’ve got dozens and dozens and dozens of passionate home cooks who’ve put their life on hold [for] everything.
“They’ve put their children, the jobs, everything are on hold to come and cook for me. So, I am nervous sometimes, but I’m also really proud. There’s a responsibility here.
“Being on people’s sofas 8:30 at night on BBC One, giving them a moment where they can sit and watch the story arcs, watch the characters, watch this great food… to me, it’s the best job in the world. And I’m so proud.”
The final series of MasterChef featuring Wallace and Torode concluded last night on BBC One, with fishmonger Harry Maguire being crowned the winner.
