MasterChef 2026 viewers deliver their verdict as new judges Anna Haugh and Grace Dent make debut
The ladies took over from Gregg Wallace and John Torode following their axing
MasterChef 2026 continues on BBC One tonight (April 22), with new judges Anna Haugh and Grace Dent replacing John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
Gregg and John were both axed from the BBC show following a series of scandals. John was accused of saying the N-word on set. And more than 50 people made claims against Gregg, including allegations of groping, inappropriate sexual comments and taking his trousers down in front of staff.
Both men maintained their innocence, but eventually ended up being replaced on the series.
Who are the new judges on MasterChef 2026?
Following Gregg and John’s departure, Grace Dent and Irish chef Anna Haugh were appointed as the new judges on MasterChef 2026. They also act as hosts.
Grace Dent is a renowned author, radio presenter, columnist and restaurant critic. She has been a member of the MasterChef family for more than a decade, regularly as a guest critic since 2011. She transitioned to a guest judge role for Celebrity MasterChef in 2025, before landing the gig fronting the main show.
Anna Haugh is an award-winning Irish chef, restaurateur and TV presenter, best known as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals. She founded the acclaimed Myrtle Restaurant in Chelsea, London, specialising in modern Irish cuisine.
Viewers deliver their verdict on episode 1
Following episode 1, viewers took to Twitter to deliver their verdict on Anna and Grace.
Some loved the ladies, hailing another all-female hosting duo on our TV screens. “Grace and Anna a big thumbs up from me. Great!” said one. Another added: “Love Anna and Grace in this series.” A third said: “Great start to the new series. Anna and Grace make a good team.”
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However, touching on a key complaint others levelled at the pair, they added: “I’m sure their over-exuberance will calm down.”
“Why do those two presenters keep making such stupid faces?” asked one. Another said: “Someone tell Anna that she doesn’t have to replicate Gregg’s surprised face every time a contestant tells her what they are going to be cooking.” A third also commented to say: “I can’t watch #masterchef any longer. @Anahaugh and her daft facial expressions.”
Others admitted to missing Gregg and John. “Sorry but MasterChef just ain’t the same without John Torode and Gregg Wallace.” “I miss John and Gregg. Just saying,” said another.
What time does MasterChef 2026 start tonight?
MasterChef 2026 continues tonight (April 22) on BBC One at 9pm. It runs till 10pm.
The third episode is then on at 9pm Thursday.
If you can’t wait till then, though, all three episodes are currently on BBC iPlayer.
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