Who is Grace Dent? Wikipedia, Biography, Age & Net Worth

Grace Dent is a name synonymous with sharp wit, culinary critique, and unmistakable British charm. Known for her frank and often poetic food writing, Dent has carved a place as one of the UK’s most influential voices in gastronomy. In 2025, her appointment as the new host of BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef marks a career milestone in her decades-long journey through journalism, broadcasting, and cultural commentary.

Early Life and Education

Grace Dent was born in Carlisle, Cumbria, in 1973, and raised in the working-class North of England. Her early years instilled in her a deep appreciation for simple, comforting food—a theme that often recurs in her later writing and podcast episodes.

She studied English Literature at Stirling University in Scotland. Her passion for media and storytelling led her to begin writing during university, eventually winning the Marie Claire magazine’s “Write for Us” competition. This opened the door to her first job in journalism.

Journalism Career

Dent began her professional writing career in London as an editorial assistant at Marie Claire before moving on to freelance work for Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and More!. However, she gained widespread recognition at The Independent, where she wrote the World of Lather column—a satirical take on British soap operas.

In 2011, she became the restaurant critic for the Evening Standard, a role she held until 2017. In 2018, Dent joined The Guardian as a regular restaurant critic, where she continues to blend culinary insights with emotional storytelling, often reflecting on her upbringing and personal life. She won “Reviewer of the Year” at the London Restaurant Festival Awards.

Author and Memoirist

Dent has written 11 books, including:

• The “Diary of a Chav” series – a humorous young adult fiction collection

• Diary of a Snob

• Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body – a deeply personal memoir published in 2020 that explores grief, family, body image, and Dent’s relationship with food. The book received critical acclaim for its honesty and emotional depth.

Broadcasting and Podcasts

Grace Dent is a familiar face and voice on both radio and television. Her appearances include:

• MasterChef UK (guest judge)

• Celebrity MasterChef

• Great British Menu

• I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (2023) – which she exited early on medical grounds

• Comfort Eating with Grace Dent – her hit podcast from The Guardian, where she invites celebrities to share the dishes that have shaped their lives

BBC’s MasterChef: A New Chapter

In June 2025, Grace Dent was officially announced as the new host of Celebrity MasterChef, replacing longtime co-host Gregg Wallace. Wallace stepped down following allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he denies.

Dent will now co-host alongside John Torode, ushering in a new era for the iconic cooking competition.

“It’s all about uncovering and championing talent—and to have ended up in this position is more than a dream to me,” Dent said in her announcement. “I’m so excited I can’t eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic!”

Personal Life: Health, Lifestyle & Family

Grace Dent describes herself as “mainly vegan”, occasionally flexitarian, and has championed plant-based eating since the early 2010s. Though she keeps her private life low-profile, she has spoken candidly about her struggles with grief, weight, and mental health—especially surrounding her father’s illness with dementia, which she detailed in her memoir Hunger.

There is no public record of a spouse or children, and she prefers to keep her romantic life out of the spotlight.

Dent also underwent a notable weight loss journey, which she has not heavily publicised but has mentioned in various podcast episodes and interviews. Reports of a serious illness or brain tumour are unfounded; however, she has cited “medical grounds” for her early exit from I’m a Celebrity… in 2023.

Media Style and Legacy

Grace Dent’s commentary is as much about cultural storytelling as it is about food. She connects cuisine with memory, emotion, and identity, a theme she often reiterates: “Food unlocks memories we can’t get out normally.”

With her rise to MasterChef host, Dent is not just stepping into a bigger spotlight—she’s redefining what it means to be a food critic in the digital age. She’s bold, reflective, and deeply empathetic, blending journalism and emotional intelligence with a passion for flavour.

Grace Dent Biography

Grace Dent’s rise from a council estate in Cumbria to the heights of British television is more than a personal triumph—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, perseverance, and passion for food. Whether critiquing a Michelin-starred restaurant or hosting one of Britain’s most beloved TV shows, Dent continues to bring honesty, humour, and heart to everything she touches.