MasterChef 2026 is back with episode 2 of the new series on BBC One tonight (April 22) but new judges Anna Haugh and Grace Dent might want to look away now…
The long-running cooking competition is back for a new season, but this series marks a major shake-up following the exit of longtime hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace after a string of controversies.
New MasterChef judges take over after major shake-up
Grace Dent and Anna Haugh are now at the helm of MasterChef, fronting the BBC series as both judges and presenters.
Grace Dent, a long-time food critic, broadcaster and columnist, has been part of the MasterChef family for over a decade. After guest appearances and a stint on Celebrity MasterChef, she now steps into a full-time judging role.
Anna Haugh, an award-winning chef and restaurateur, is best known for her work on MasterChef: The Professionals. She brings years of fine dining experience and Irish culinary expertise to the main series.
Their appointment follows the departure of John Torode and Gregg Wallace, who were both removed from the show after separate controversies. Both have previously denied wrongdoing.
However, it seems some viewers are already missing the old hosts…
Viewers deliver their verdict on episode 1
Following episode 1, viewers took to Twitter to deliver their verdict on Anna and Grace.
Some loved the ladies, hailing another all-female hosting duo on our TV screens. “Grace and Anna a big thumbs up from me. Great!” said one. Another added: “Love Anna and Grace in this series.” A third said: “Great start to the new series. Anna and Grace make a good team.”
However, touching on a key complaint others levelled at the pair, they added: “I’m sure their over-exuberance will calm down.”
“Why do those two presenters keep making such stupid faces?” asked one. Another said: “Someone tell Anna that she doesn’t have to replicate Gregg’s surprised face every time a contestant tells her what they are going to be cooking.” A third also commented to say: “I can’t watch #masterchef any longer. @Anahaugh and her daft facial expressions.”
Others admitted to missing Gregg and John. “Sorry but MasterChef just ain’t the same without John Torode and Gregg Wallace.” “I miss John and Gregg. Just saying,” said another.
When is MasterChef 2026 on?
MasterChef 2026 is on tonight (April 22) at 9pm on BBC One, running until 10pm.
Episode three airs Thursday at the same time.
All three episodes are also available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
MasterChef 2026 airs tonight (April 22) at 9pm on BBC One.
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