MasterChef star John Torode has dealt Gregg Wallace a huge snub by inviting new co-host Grace Dent to his home.
The former presenting duo have famously never visited each other’s houses, despite fronting the BBC1 series together for nearly 20 years, but Dent has already been invited to Torode’s house for tea within weeks of her being confirmed as the show’s latest presenter.
Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner revealed that she and the Aussie chef entertained Dent at their North London home where the former Holby City actress tested out the pair’s fledgling judging chemistry.
The food critic, 51, was announced by the BBC as Wallace’s replacement in December after he was axed due to a series of complaints about his alleged behaviour.
Faulkner, 53, said: ‘She came over for tea and I was really excited she has been in my house. I was like “I love you.”
‘We made Tea and scones, cheese scones, and sticky toffee madeleines.
MasterChef star John Torode has dealt Gregg Wallace a huge snub by inviting new co-host Grace Dent to his home
The former presenting duo have famously never visited each other’s houses, but Dent (pictured) has already been invited to Torode’s house for tea
‘She’s a joy and I think the two of them will work really well together, in fact I know they will work really well together because I let them do a bit of judging when they were together.’
Speaking at the Ideal Home Show, she added: ‘I think she will be absolutely brilliant. I’m a massive fan of Grace for years.
‘I used to get the Guardian when she did the restaurant reviews, this was years ago, and I’ve loved her writing, ‘I’ve read her books, I think she’s ace.’
Torode, who was Best Man at Wallace’s wedding, has yet to speak in detail about his former co-host after he stepped away from MasterChef in November due to allegations over his misconduct.
He released a statement on Instagram in December saying he found the reports into Wallace’s alleged behaviour ‘truly upsetting’ and the ‘thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear’.
Torode, 59, added: ‘I love my job, and I love MasterChef. I love being part of it and will continue to be part of it.’
Speaking to The Sun in 2021, Torode and Wallace revealed that despite their closeness on screen, they rarely socialise together and admitted they had never been to each other’s houses.
Wallace, 60, said: ‘We’ve got things absolutely right.
Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner (pictured) revealed that she and the Aussie chef entertained Dent at their North London home where the former Holby City actress tested out the pair’s fledgling judging chemistry
At least 13 people have made formal complaints against Wallace, with others alleging inappropriate behaviour on social media
‘We don’t feel the need to change it, everyone else expects us to be as close outside of work but we need to give each other space.
‘We are so close. If I had the slightest issue with anything I would call John.
‘But I have no idea where he lives.’
Dent previously appeared as a regular guest on MasterChef for over a decade and even competed on last year’s Battle of the Critics.
After being announced as the new co-judge for the new series, she 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.’
Torode saie: ‘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 challenge.’
He continued: ‘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.’
Wallace stepped back from MasterChef amid an investigation into his conduct over a period of 17 years
Wallace has faced 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 sock on his penis.
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 Wallace across five shows over a 17-year period, with more describing inappropriate experiences on social media since the scandal broke.
His lawyers have previously denied any allegations that he has engaged in behaviour that amounts to sexual harassment.
The BBC cancelled two planned Christmas specials of MasterChef amid the publicity storm surrounding the presenter, as the show’s producers Banijay began an investigation.
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