Gregg Wallace launches new business venture after Grace Dent BBC MasterChef replacement as misconduct saga continues

Former MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace unveiled plans to launch a range of frozen ready meals under his GreggWallace.health brand just days before being replaced on the show by Grace Dent amid sexual misconduct allegations.

The TV chef, 60, who stepped down from his role last month, revealed the business venture in a November blog post.

The announcement comes as Wallace faces an external review into historical allegations of misconduct by the BBC and production company Banijay. Wallace’s lawyers have denied wrongdoing and branded claims of sexual harassment as “false”.

The new frozen meals will initially be available exclusively to members of his health company, which currently offers diet plans and coaching services.

In his November blog post, Wallace wrote: “I have been working for quite a while now on frozen ready meals from the GreggWallace.health range of recipes. These will be available to members only at the start.”

The announcement came during what he described as “another busy week in London filming the new series of MasterChef”.

Wallace added: “It’s a habit I want to get back in to – cooking for the family once a week is something that I really enjoy.”

The business venture expands upon his existing health company, which focuses on weight loss through diet plans and coaching services.

Dent, 51, has been announced as Wallace’s replacement on Celebrity MasterChef, where she will judge alongside John Torode for the show’s upcoming 20th series.

Torode praised his new co-host on Wednesday, saying: “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.”

“The love of food, the love of MasterChef, and that unquestionable expertise, makes Grace the perfect person to step in alongside me,” Torode added.

A source told The Sun that Dent is seen as “the perfect choice” for the show, citing her food knowledge and no-nonsense style.

Wallace faces multiple serious allegations, with at least 13 women making formal complaints about his behaviour across five shows over a 17-year period.

The complaints include claims he made inappropriate sexual jokes, shared intimate details of his sex life, and walked around set naked except for a sock.

Two crew members have accused him of groping, while others report he would take off his clothes in front of women on set and flirt with staff members.

The BBC has cancelled two planned Christmas specials of MasterChef amid the controversy, as the show’s producers Banijay conduct their investigation.

Wallace’s lawyers have denied any allegations that his behaviour amounts to sexual harassment.

Dent expressed her enthusiasm about joining the show, stating: “I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa. My whole family watches it.”

“I’m so excited that I can’t eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic,” she added. “I can’t wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025.”

Dent brings significant culinary expertise to the role, having worked as a restaurant critic and appearing regularly as a guest judge on MasterChef.