Overview
- Dent, a longtime guest critic and self-professed superfan, has stepped into the judging role following Gregg Wallace’s dismissal after an investigation that upheld 45 of 83 complaints.
- On Friday 21 November, hosts on The One Show read out messages calling Dent a "breath of fresh air," prompting an emotional on-air response.
- The BBC is airing pre-recorded Celebrity MasterChef episodes that include John Torode, with the broadcaster saying participants consented to the broadcasts.
- Fans on social media and on-air messages have praised Dent’s fairness, humour and encouragement of contestants.
- Reports say Dent is expected to take the role full-time in 2026 alongside Anna Haugh.