Grace Dent, the new host of the popular BBC cooking show, has spoken candidly about her relationships with former presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace after their departures. Dent, who will co-host with Anna Haugh for the 2026 series, described her bond with John as enduring and affectionate, calling him a 'friend for life.' She acknowledged the controversy surrounding Gregg, whose dismissal followed numerous complaints about inappropriate conduct, and stated that her personal experiences with him were now irrelevant.

Dent also reflected on the show's previous 'male energy,' expressing excitement about leading MasterChef into a new era alongside another female presenter. John Torode has publicly accepted his exit, sharing messages about moving forward and not needing to prove himself. Meanwhile, Gregg Wallace is pursuing legal action against the BBC, claiming distress and harassment after his sacking. The BBC plans to continue with new celebrity specials of MasterChef, signaling ongoing changes for the long-running series.