MasterChef has reportedly finally confirmed who will host the flagship BBC cooking show.
Grace Dent and Anna Haugh are said to be the new judges on the BBC One programme, after Gregg Wallace and John Torode were axed earlier this year.
The BBC show has been beset with issues this summer, after a report into the programme upheld conduct complaints against both Wallace and Torode, resulting in their dismissal.
Since then, the programme has had the task of filling the empty judging spots, but even that hasn’t been plain sailing.
Filming for the next series – which will be the first in two decades not helmed by Wallace and Torode – is scheduled to begin imminently.
Yet West Country chef Tom Kerridge, 52, reportedly dropped out of hosting duties.
However, the BBC has now reportedly found the new faces of MasterChef in food critic Grace, 51, and chef Anna, 44, according to The Sun.
The publication reported that West Country chef Kerridge was ruled out of the show on account of his advertising work with Marks and Spencer.
They are said to have beaten out competition for the role from Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing.
A TV source told the publication: ‘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.’
Anna previously stepped into Wallace’s spot for the final episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals, when accusations against him first emerged last Christmas.
MasterChef is contracted to air on the BBC until at least 2028. The final series featuring Wallace and Torode is currently airing after a period of back-and-forth over whether it should be broadcast at all.
Metro contacted the BBC for comment.
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