MasterChef's new judges 'confirmed' after Gregg Wallace and John Torode axed

The new judges for MasterChef appear to have been confirmed as an I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star and a guest judge on Gordon Ramsey's Hell's Kitchen have been revealed as the new judges of Masterchef. A chop and change has taken place after Gregg Wallace and John Torode were both axed from the long-running BBC show.

And there will be a fresh feeling of change when the show returns as Grace Dent and Anna Haugh will replaced the disgraced male former stars. TV fans will recall Grace, 51, boldly chewing through gross bushtucker trials on ITV's I'm A Celeb in 2023.

While more attentive TV viewers may recall restaurant owner Anna, 44, popping up in Hell's Kitchen in 2013. Fans of MasterChef will soon see the ladies guiding contestants in the kitchen and tasting their efforts when the show returns following the exits of Wallace and Torode, both 60.

READ MORE: MasterChef viewers disgusted as they issue major complaint over scene on BBC show

READ MORE: Gregg Wallace admits 'that got me into trouble' after MasterChef sacking

A 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 Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment. It has been a turbulent year for the hit series - which saw the explosive exit of both it's stars.

Wallace became embroiled in controversy last November when he was accused of misconduct on the set of the BBC show. Following an investigation, the Corporation ruled that Wallace's behaviour "falls below the values of the BBC" and confirmed that it has "no plans to work with him in the future."

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said at the time that the allegations against Wallace were "horrendous and appalling".

She added: "This case highlights a wider issue and much more must be done to ensure that everyone working in the creative industries is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect."

Months later, Torode was faced with allegations of using racist language. His contract was not renewed following an investigation by the BBC and Masterchef production company Banijay.

The Australian-British host expressed remorse for his behaviour - and released a statement following the announcement of the allegations.

He said: "For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion."

Addressing the incident, believed to have taken place in 2018 or 2019, in more detail, he conceded: "[The] person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards".

He continued: "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened.

"However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence."

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