Gregg Wallace leaves the nation with spouse Anna after former Celebrity MasterChef host was changed by Grace Dent amid his sexual misconduct storm
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Gregg Wallace has escaped the country with his wife Anna after it was revealed the former Celebrity MasterChef host was replaced by Grace Dent.
The TV presenter, 60, stepped down from the role last month amid an external review into historical allegations of sexual misconduct.
Now, Gregg has posted a picture of himself dressed in a tuxedo, on his way to dinner with wife Anna, 38, aboard lavish Cunard’s Queen Anne cruise.
In a now deleted post, Gregg beamed for the camera, with Anna seen over his shoulder, and he wrote: ‘Big date night’
Gregg and Anna are on a North Sea and Baltic cruise with Cunard to Hamburg, having set off on Sunday from Southampton and stopping off in the European cities of Paris, Bruges and Rotterdam.
Anna, who shares four-year-old son Sid with Gregg, has not yet publicly addressed any claims made against her husband.
Gregg Wallace has escaped the country with his wife Anna after it was revealed the former Celebrity MasterChef host was replaced by Grace Dent
It was announced on Tuesday that Grace Dent will judge the next series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode
MailOnline has contacted Gregg’s representatives for comment.
It comes after it was revealed Grace, 51, will judge the upcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode.
John released a statement describing his newly-announced Celebrity MasterChef co-host Grace as the ‘perfect person’ to step into Gregg’s shoes.
On Wednesday, John said he has ‘loved’ working with Grace, who has appeared as a critic and judge on the show previously as he praised her ‘expertise’.
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.
‘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.’
Gregg is facing 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 penis on his sock.
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.
Anna, who shares four-year-old son Sid with Gregg, has not yet publicly addressed any claims made against her husband
At least 13 people have made a formal complaint against Wallace, while other celebrities and former contestants have also spoken about his alleged behaviour
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.
Gregg’s 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.
Author and podcaster Grace has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics.
Her takeover from Gregg was first reported last week, with a source telling the Sun Grace is seen as ‘the perfect choice’ for the show.
They added: ‘She’s knowledgeable about food and opinionated, plus it’s great to have a woman as a judge on the show. It will shake things up and give the series the boost it needs after such an upsetting and uncertain time.
‘She is already a fan favourite and has won lots of respect in the foodie world thanks to her no-nonsense style and sense of humour.
‘Bosses love her already, know she is a safe pair of hands and trust her to help steer the ship with John to steadier waters.’
Grace was a restaurant critic for The Guardian and from 2011 to 2017 and wrote a restaurant column for the Evening Standard
It comes after it was revealed John and Gregg have never been friends despite co-hosting the show together for 15 years.
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.’
Grace was born and raised by her parents in Carlisle and went on to pursue further education at Stirling University, bagging herself an English Literature degree in the process.
During her time at university, Grace kicked off her journalism career, writing features for Cosmopolitan, according to The Sun.
Grace has regularly appeared on MasterChef as a guest judge and critic across multiple series
Grace also appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2023, but had to leave camp after seven days due to medical issues
After leaving full-time education, she worked as an editorial assistant for Vogue, and then a freelance journalist for various magazines such as Marie Claire, Glamour and more.
She also spent 12 years, from 2000 until 2012, writing about all things TV, before making her way to The Independent and specialising in food.
As well as appearing as a judge on all three UK MasterChef franchises, Grace has also been a judge on Great British Menu.
For many Grace is most recognisable for her stint in the I’m A Celeb jungle in 2023, before she left due to health issues.
