New Celebrity MasterChef decide Grace Dent reveals she was lowered to tears by star throughout filming

Grace Dent has revealed a star made her cry while filming Celebrity MasterChef. 

The food critic, 52, has spoken out about the upcoming series, which will return to BBC One on Monday. 

Grace, who filmed the cooking show earlier this year alongside John Torode, 60, admitted she was reduced to tears after a celebrity presented their meal for tasting. 

‘I didn’t have time for emotion during filming. I was too busy presenting to think about home or my family or anything else,’ she told the Radio Times.

‘Then one of the celebrities brought up this venison dish that was autumnal, and I just cried. But all of them were amazing, they all brought their personalities.’

Grace replaced Gregg Wallace. The presenter, 61, was sacked following a series of misconduct allegations relating to his time on the series. 

Grace Dent has revealed a star made her cry while filming Celebrity MasterChef. The food critic, 52, has spoken out about the upcoming series, (pictured with John Torode) 

Grace, who filmed the cooking show earlier this year alongside John Torode, 60, admitted she was reduced to tears after a celebrity presented their meal for tasting

Then in September, Irish chef Anna Haugh, 44, was announced to takeover from John, who lost his job after two decades over allegations he used ‘racist language in 2018’, something he claims he has ‘no recollection’ of. 

The BBC faced a tricky challenge as Grace had already filmed Celebrity MasterChef with John. 

The broadcaster revealed it had not been a ‘straightforward decision’ to feature the judge after the allegations, but every celebrity contestant and guest featured in the upcoming series involved had given their blessing for it to air. 

Elsewhere in the interview, Grace also revealed the experience was eye-opening for one celebrity who had restricted herself to a sugar-free diet. 

She said: ‘I remember one celebrity coming on and I don’t think she’d really cooked that much until she arrived She completely lacked confidence in herself.

‘Everything she did cook was mega-healthy, I don’t think she ever allowed herself butter and sugar. But we got her cooking incredible steak and potatoes with sauces and buttery vegetables. From that moment, you could see her just come to life.’

Alfie Boe, rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones, Blue’s Antony Costa, Ashley Cain, Chris Hughes, Dawn O’Porter are amongst 15 celebrities who will battle it out over five weeks. 

In September Irish chef Anna Haugh, 44, was announced to takeover from John

Actor and singer Alfie, 52, has been on the scene since the late 90s

Singer Antony, 44, is best known for being part of boyband Blue alongside Simon Webbe, 44, Duncan James, 47 and Lee Ryan, 42

Singer Michelle, 46, shot to fame in the early 2000s as part of music group Liberty X

Former Corrie actress Katie, 32, appeared on the ITV show between 2013 and 2020

Paralympian and actor Gaz Choudhry MBE, drag artist Ginger Johnson, Jaki Graham, Jamie Lomas, Gladiator Jodie Ounsley, actor Katie McGlynn,pop star Michelle Heaton, comedian Noreen Khan and TV personality Uma Jammeh form the line-up. 

Celebrity MasterChef features three Heat weeks aimed at testing the celebrities’ abilities.

Speaking about landing the role, Grace said: ‘I’m over the moon to be coming back to the MasterChef kitchen and unearthing what culinary skills people have been cooking up behind closed doors. 

‘It’s a joy to be working with Anna, who brings all her incredible experience to the table. I am in for such a treat with this series, I can’t wait to get started.’