First look image of new Masterchef judges released
Grace Dent and Anna Haugh Announced as New Judges for MasterChef’s 22nd Amateur Series
MasterChef has revealed that Grace Dent and Anna Haugh will join the judging panel for the upcoming 22nd amateur series, set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Grace Dent, an acclaimed restaurant critic and journalist, and Anna Haugh, Chef Patron of Myrtle Restaurant and well-known TV presenter, are both seasoned contributors to the MasterChef brand across its various spin-offs.
Dent has been a familiar face on the show for more than ten years as a guest critic. In 2023, she even stepped into the competition herself on MasterChef: Battle of the Critics. She is also confirmed to appear as a judge in the next installment of Celebrity MasterChef.
Haugh, meanwhile, served as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2022 and is set to return during the final week of the current MasterChef series, which is presently being broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Executive Editor of MasterChef, David Ambler, welcomed the appointments: “A big welcome to Grace and Anna to the MasterChef judging team. Both are enormously respected in the hospitality industry and we can’t wait for them to uncover some more great cooking talent - from home kitchens across the country.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning, added: "Grace and Anna are already part of the MasterChef family and together have culinary credentials that are second to none. Both viewers watching the series and the amateur cooks taking part can be assured that in the search for the next MasterChef UK Champion, Grace and Anna know exactly what is needed in order to rise to the top!"
Sharing her excitement, Grace Dent said: "I’m over the moon to be coming back to the MasterChef kitchen and unearthing what culinary skills people have been cooking up behind closed doors. It’s a joy to be working with Anna, who brings all her incredible experience to the table. I am in for such a treat with this series, I can’t wait to get started."
Anna Haugh echoed the enthusiasm: "I’m delighted to be back on MasterChef and judging alongside the wonderful Grace Dent, whose writing and wit I’ve admired for years. MasterChef has long inspired and resonated with cooks in home kitchens and of course in my industry. I can’t wait to get into the studio for what will be a great competition."