MasterChef Introduces Judges Grace Dent and Anna Haugh: A New Era Begins

MasterChef welcomes new judges Grace Dent and Anna Haugh as the programme enters a clear new era. The appointments reshape the show’s front line.

Profiles and professional paths

Grace Dent is a journalist and prominent restaurant critic. She grew up in Carlisle and built a career in London media.

Anna Haugh is a chef from Dublin. She runs Myrtle, an Irish/Modern British restaurant in Chelsea, London.

Prior MasterChef experience

Both women have judged celebrity and professional versions of MasterChef. Their roles on those editions prepared them for the main series.

Dent previously appeared as a MasterChef guest in 2012. That appearance ended her anonymity in dining circles.

How they work on the show

Haugh brings a kitchen-focused perspective. She often spots raw technique and instincts early in a cook’s performance.

Dent approaches dishes as a critic. She looks for improvement as contestants respond to challenges.

Tasting routines and stamina

Both judges must pace themselves during long tasting sessions. They sometimes assess six contestants’ meals, each with three courses.

Haugh usually fasts during the day to keep her palate sharp. Dent wakes at 5am to read recipes before filming.

On-screen partnership and personal tastes

The pair show evident camaraderie and mutual support. They help each other with small on-set details.

Dent favours desserts, naming trifle as a weakness. Haugh admits to loving cheese and Spanish Torres crisps.

Stepping into the role and context

They replace the long-standing duo of Gregg Wallace and John Torode. The series now moves forward under new leadership.

The transition aims to reflect the contestants and renew the programme’s energy.

The exclusive feature appears on Filmogaz.com with photography by Elisabeth Hoff. MasterChef returns on Tuesday 21 April at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.