John Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner shares support for Grace Dent as food critic is named as Gregg Wallace's  Celebrity MasterChef replacement

John Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner has voiced her support for Grace Dent after she was named as Gregg Wallace's Celebrity MasterChef replacement. 

Restaurant critic Grace, 51, is set to step in to judge the next series amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct that have been made against Gregg. 

Responding to a post by the BBC announced her appointment, Lisa replied with three 'raising hands' emojis and a heart, writing: 'Go Grace!' 

Grace previously appeared as a regular guest on MasterChef for over a decade and even competed on last year's Battle of the Critics.

In a statement of his own, included in the post, Lisa's husband John hailed his new co-host as the 'perfect person to step in' by his side. 

He said: '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 challenges.'

John 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.' 

MasterChef Executive Editor, David Ambler, added: 'Grace’s expertise, wit and finely honed palette will be great asset to the judging lineup and the celebrities will need to be sitting up straight for this series. 

'We’re looking forward to welcoming Grace back in 2025 as we uncover a new Celebrity MasterChef champion.' 

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC said: 'Grace Dent is the perfect choice to step in for the next series of Celebrity MasterChef. 

'Grace is not only an energetic and well-established member of the MasterChef team, but is also a world renowned food critic, so she will certainly keep the next batch of celebrities on their toes.' 

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.'

Gregg 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 Gregg 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 previously cancelled two planned Christmas specials of MasterChef amid the publicity storm surrounding the presenter, as the show's producers Banijay began an investigation.