REPORTS: GRACE DENT AND ANNA HAUGH TO PRESENT NEXT SERIES OF MASTERCHEF

Grace Dent and Anna Haugh are set to be announced as the new presenters of MasterChef on BBC One, according to reports from The Sun newspaper.

The pair will take over presenting and judging duties from Gregg Wallace and John Torode who were both let go from the show earlier this year. Dent joined Torode to film this year's series of Celebrity MasterChef before Torode was dismissed. The BBC are to confirm whether this series will be broadcast.

Both Dent and Haugh are familiar to MasterChef viewers, with Haugh having recently been a series judge on MasterChef: The Professionals and also appearing on other BBC shows such as Ready Steady Cook and Morning Live.

A source told The Sun: "It’s really exciting that two women are judging the show, especially as, historically, it’s been dominated by men, but coming to the decision hasn’t been easy. Grace and Anna have brilliant chemistry. They know it’s a big responsibility and can’t wait to deliver for the fans."

Whilst the BBC have not formally announced whether The Sun's report is accurate, the tabloid adds that Tom Kerridge was originally lined-up for a spot, but was ruled out due to commercial commitments with M&S which would've "clashed with BBC guidelines".

Just today, the BBC announced that Matt Tebbutt is to be a judge for the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals alongside Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Best known as host of Saturday Kitchen on BBC One Matt has a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry as well as in TV and authoring cookbooks and regularly contributing to food and travel magazines.

The three judges will also be joined by a variety of exciting guest judges in the first stage of the competition. With their own experience and food backgrounds helping to oversee the Skills Tests, the guest judge in each Heat will add another element of surprise for the professional chefs walking through the MasterChef kitchen doors for the very first time.

As Matt looks ahead to the upcoming 18th series of MasterChef: The Professionals with Marcus and Monica, he says: “It’s an absolute honour to be working alongside these two titans of the food world. Their knowledge and uncompromising attitude is now the stuff of legend and I look forward to them taking me under their wing and seeing the chefs get off to a flying start in the competition!”

Marcus Wareing says: “I’m really looking forward to working with Matt and his experience, both on screen and in the industry, speaks for itself. This show is all about showcasing and celebrating the best up and coming talent emerging from our country’s professional kitchens and Matt, Monica and I will be expecting the highest standards from our chefs this year. I can’t wait for what will be a fantastic next series.”

Monica Galetti says: “To have Matt join us is really exciting. Seeing what skills our contestants showcase and tasting their culinary creations is always a delight - Marcus and I look forward to welcoming Matt to the MasterChef studios and discovering our next champion.”

MasterChef Executive Editor, David Ambler, says: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome Matt on board for the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals. His career as a chef, restaurateur and food broadcaster makes him an ideal choice to join this year’s judging line-up and we can’t wait to discover the crop of exciting new talent.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: “With a natural warmth that viewers already love from Saturday Kitchen, coupled with a sharp eye for talent, Matt will be bringing a wealth of culinary expertise to the MasterChef kitchen and will be a fantastic addition to the line-up alongside Monica and Marcus.”

MasterChef: The Professionals (21x60’) is a Shine TV (part of Banijay UK) production for BBC One and iPlayer.