Masterchef unveils two new judges as TV bosses snub Tom Kerridge
The two judges set to replace disgraced duo Matt Wallace and John Torode on BBC’s Masterchef have been revealed after Tom Kerridge was ruled out.
The move comes just one day after the broadcaster announced Matt Tebbutt as Mr Wallace’s replacement on MasterChef: The Professionals.
Grace Dent and Anna Haugh will be drafted in to the sought-after roles on the popular series, The Sun have reported.
Ms Dent, 51, is a former restaurant critic for The Guardian and has appeared as a regular critic on the BBC programme before.
Her new colleague Ms Haugh, 44, founded the Myrtle Restaurant in London and has appeared on a host of culinary television shows, including Hell’s Kitchen, Royal Recipes and Snackmasters.
The BBC have snubbed two-time Great British Menu winner, Tom Kerridge, due to clashes between his commitments with M&S ads and the broadcaster’s guidelines, sources have suggested.
Speaking on the incoming judges, a TV source told The Sun: “It’s really exciting that two women are judging the show, especially as, historically, it’s been dominated by men, but coming to the decision hasn’t been easy.
“Grace and Anna have brilliant chemistry.
“They know it’s a big responsibility and can’t wait to deliver for the fans.”
The appointments are hoped to breathe new life into the show after the programme’s series premiere launch episode faced a collapse of almost one million viewers last month compared to the year before.
Despite the dramatic decline in Britons tuning in. the BBC defended their decision to air the episodes after citing the amateur chefs had poured their “heart and soul” into the contest.
Ms Haugh had previously stepped in for the final episodes of the culinary show’s most recent series after Mr Wallace was axed, and made appearances as a judge and regular guest on the professionals edition in 2022.
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Ms Dent had appeared in Celebrity Masterchef alongside Mr Torode before his dismissal, but the BBC have yet to release the series.
Mr Wallace was sacked from his role as the cooking competition’s presenter after a misconduct inquiry upheld 45 out of the 83 claims made against his inappropriate behaviour.
The majority of the substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual and racist comments, but three claims of being in a state of undress and unwelcome physical contact were upheld.
Mr Torode followed closely behind his disgraced colleague after an accusation of the presenter using “an extremely offensive racist term” was sustained.
After his sacking, Mr Wallace released a statement which read: “I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.
“I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off.
Mr Torode claimed he had “no recollection of what I’m accused of” and added that “the enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong”.
Mr Tebbutt, who will present MasterChef: The Professionals alongside join Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti, described the appointment as an “an absolute honour”.