Meet New MasterChef Judges Anna Haugh and Grace Dent After Major Shake-Up

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 21, 2026 2:59 PM ET

Meet New MasterChef Judges Anna Haugh and Grace Dent After Major Shake-Up

The 22nd season of MasterChef returns on 21 April with 48 amateur cooks vying for the title. The new series brings a major shake-up to the judging panel.

The judging change

Longstanding judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode left after their contracts were not renewed. The decision was announced in July 2025. Their replacements are Anna Haugh and Grace Dent.

What the new judges said

Anna Haugh told Radio Times: “Well, it’s bigger than any one person. The contestants are brilliant. The show is a reflection of them.”

Grace Dent added: “I don’t feel I am ‘picking up’ after anybody. I’ve been going to work every day at the helm of the most important food show, probably in British television history. I think I’m doing well.”

Grace Dent: critic and broadcaster

Grace Dent is an established restaurant critic and journalist. She has written for national papers and published books.

Contributions to titles including The Guardian, The Independent and The Evening Standard.
Author of the memoir Hungry: A Memoir of Wanting More.
Host of the Guardian-published podcast Comfort Eating With Grace Dent.
Frequent guest judge on Celebrity MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals and MasterChef.
Last year she stepped in as a main judge on Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode.

Anna Haugh: chef and restaurateur

Anna Haugh trained in respected kitchens and launched her own restaurant in 2019. She brings front-line culinary experience to the show.

Started at L’Ecrivain and worked with chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Shane Osborn and Philip Howard.
Opened Myrtle in Chelsea in 2019.
Regular TV appearances on Saturday Kitchen and Morning Live.
Has appeared on MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef.

What to watch for

The series begins on 21 April at 9pm. Episodes air on BBC One and on BBC iPlayer.

Filmogaz.com will follow the new panel closely as the new MasterChef judges Anna Haugh and Grace Dent settle into their roles after the major shake-up.