John Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner backs new MasterChef host Grace Dent in swipe at Gregg Wallace
JOHN Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner has thrown her support behind Celebrity MasterChef's new host Grace Dent in a subtle dig at Gregg Wallace.
Grace, 51, will replace Gregg, 60, on the BBC show for its upcoming 20th series amid his "grope" probe - and Lisa is backing her all the way.
Lisa's hubby John, who has starred alongside Gregg on MasterChef since 2005 , was tagged in a post announcing Grace's signing on social media.
The post, originally shared by the BBC, said: "Grace Dent steps in as judge for Celebrity MasterChef 2025."
A comment from John followed - and there was no mention of his co-star Gregg.
"I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years," the Australian chef said.
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"She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.
"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.”
Wasting no time in sharing her excitement about food critic Grace's new job, Lisa - who married John in 2019 - commented on the post on her husband's grid.
Alongside three 'raising hands' emojis and one red heart, she said: "Go Grace!"
Replying to her message, a fan told her: "@lisafaulknercooks I'm so pleased for Grace and us as well. Love her."
Gregg has been forced to step back from MasterChef amid allegations of misconduct.
The show’s production firm, Banijay UK, launched a probe last month after several women complained the TV judge had groped or harassed them.
Gregg was scheduled to appear on the BBC several times this Christmas but these episodes have now been axed.
The host stepped down from the show after the multiple complaints emerged.
He faces allegations from at least 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period — with others coming forward since the scandal broke.
Despite strongly denying any wrongdoing Gregg is said to have resigned himself to getting the sack - as we previously revealed.
The news of Grace's signing was announced on Wednesday morning.
The food critic and former I'm A Celebrity star has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef and, last year, was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics.
Gregg Wallace - MasterChef scandal in Brief
GREGG Wallace has stepped down from his MasterChef hosting role after a probe into alleged inappropriate behaviour. But what's the situation?
Regular MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is currently the subject of a probe after an investigation was launched into his alleged misconduct over a number of years.
Gregg has been accused of making sexual remarks to 13 colleagues including Beeb anchor Kirsty Wark - accusations he denies.
The 60-year-old has now stepped away from the BBC show while historical misconduct allegations against him are investigated.
Yet the former greengrocer spoke out on social media to blast the "women of a certain age" who he claimed were behind the allegations.
The cooking show’s production company, Banijay UK, has said law firm Lewis Silkin would lead the investigation into Wallace’s alleged misconduct.
Speaking of her new job, 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."
A TV source said: “Grace is the perfect choice to replace Gregg on Masterchef.
"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.
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“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.”