A Fresh Face for Celebrity MasterChef – and a Dash of Plant-Based Sass

Hello foodies—Grace Dent is stepping in as a judge on Celebrity MasterChef, taking over from the ever-enthusiastic Gregg Wallace. If you’re into food writing, you’ll know Dent is sharp, witty, and definitely not one to sugarcoat her opinions (which is exactly what makes her brilliant). While she’s not strictly vegan, she’s got a serious soft spot for plant-based cooking, often shining a light on chefs who go beyond the usual meat-and-dairy-heavy plates. This could mean a fresh focus on modern food trends, which, let’s be honest, is a nice shake-up. John Torode is still holding the fort, but Dent’s arrival promises a different dynamic—maybe fewer “phwoars” over a sticky toffee pudding, but definitely no shortage of deliciously brutal honesty. Of course, Gregg Wallace’s departure is the end of an era. Love him or not, his excitement for everything (especially puddings) was infectious. But Dent? She’s bringing a whole new energy. Will she go easy on the celebs? Probably not. Will she be hilarious while doing it? Absolutely. The new season lands later this year—brace yourself for a fresh take, fierce critiques, and hopefully, fewer disastrous soufflés!