Gregg Wallace has revealed a new business venture after it was announced Grace Dent would be replacing him on Celebrity MasterChef.
The TV chef, 60, stepped down from the role last month amid an external review into historical allegations of sexual misconduct.
Before the controversy surrounding the judge, Gregg confirmed he was working towards launching a new range of ready meals.
In November, he wrote on his blog: ‘It was another busy week in London filming the new series of MasterChef.
‘On your televisions at the moment, you’ve got the wonderful Professional MasterChef. And what incredible talent on display this year.
‘It really is such an honour to watch the next generation of talented chefs coming through.
Gregg Wallace has revealed a new business venture after it was announced Grace Dent would be replacing him on Celebrity MasterChef
It was announced on Tuesday that Grace will judge the next series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode (pictured)
Before the controversy surrounding the judge, Gregg confirmed he was working towards launching a new range of ready meals
‘I have been working for quite a while now on frozen ready meals from the GreggWallace.health range of recipes. These will be available to members only at the start.
‘Let’s see how we get on. I have managed to have some time at home and did some cooking.
‘It’s a habit I want to get back in to – cooking for the family once a week is something that I really enjoy.’
Gregg’s health company already offers diet plans and coaching for those looking to lose weight.
John Torode released a statement describing his newly-announced Celebrity MasterChef co-host Grace as the ‘perfect person’ to step into Gregg’s shoes.
Grace, 51, will judge the upcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside John.
On Wednesday, John said he has ‘loved’ working with Grace, who has appeared as a critic and judge on the show previously as he praised her ‘expertise’.
He said: ‘I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.
Grace, 51, will judge the upcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside John
At least 13 people have made a formal complaint against Wallace, while other celebrities and former contestants have also spoken about his alleged behaviour
‘Expertise is what MasterChef is all about, from the contestants to our wonderful production team, to us as judges.
‘The love of food, the love of MasterChef, and that unquestionable expertise, makes Grace the perfect person to step in alongside me as judge for the forthcoming Celebrity MasterChef series.’
Gregg is facing a series of complaints about his alleged behaviour, including claims he made inappropriate sexual jokes, shared intimate details of his sex life and even walked around set naked except for a penis on his sock.
He also reportedly would take off his clothes in front of women on set, flirt with members of staff and has been accused of groping two crew members.
At least 13 women have made formal complaints about Gregg across five shows over a 17-year period, with more describing inappropriate experiences on social media since the scandal broke.
Gregg’s lawyers have previously denied any allegations that he has engaged in behaviour that amounts to sexual harassment.
The BBC previously cancelled two planned Christmas specials of MasterChef amid the publicity storm surrounding the presenter, as the show’s producers Banijay began an investigation.
Author and podcaster Grace has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics.
Grace was a restaurant critic for The Guardian and from 2011 to 2017 and wrote a restaurant column for the Evening Standard
Her takeover from Gregg was first reported last week, with a source telling the Sun Grace is seen as ‘the perfect choice’ for the show.
They added: ‘She’s knowledgeable about food and opinionated, plus it’s great to have a woman as a judge on the show. It will shake things up and give the series the boost it needs after such an upsetting and uncertain time.
‘She is already a fan favourite and has won lots of respect in the foodie world thanks to her no-nonsense style and sense of humour.
‘Bosses love her already, know she is a safe pair of hands and trust her to help steer the ship with John to steadier waters.’
It comes after it was revealed John and Gregg have never been friends despite co-hosting the show together for 15 years.
Grace said: ‘I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa. My whole family watches it. It’s all about uncovering and championing talent – and to have ended up in this position, is more than a dream to me.
‘I’m so excited that I can’t eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic. I feel very lucky to be stepping in for the next Celebrity MasterChef.
‘I can’t wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025.’
Grace has regularly appeared on MasterChef as a guest judge and critic across multiple series
Grace also appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2023, but had to leave camp after seven days due to medical issues
Fans had been left concerned for the food critic after she had begun to look ‘scarily unwell’ during her time in the jungle
Fans claimed they didn’t even recognise the usual bubbly and glam MasterChef star (pictured left in the jungle and right on MasterChef in 2021)
Grace was born and raised by her parents in Carlisle and went on to pursue further education at Stirling University, bagging herself an English Literature degree in the process.
During her time at university, Grace kicked off her journalism career, writing features for Cosmopolitan, according to The Sun.
After leaving full-time education, she worked as an editorial assistant for Vogue, and then a freelance journalist for various magazines such as Marie Claire, Glamour and more.
She also spent 12 years, from 2000 until 2012, writing about all things TV, before making her way to The Independent and specialising in food.
As well as appearing as a judge on all three UK MasterChef franchises, Grace has also been a judge on Great British Menu.
For many Grace is most recognisable for her stint in the I’m A Celeb jungle in 2023, before she left due to health issues.
