Dent has been a regular guest critic on MasterChef for over a decade, and was a contestant herself competing on MasterChef: Battle of the Critics 2023. She is also a judge in the next series of Celebrity MasterChef.

Commenting on her appointment, Dent 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."

Haugh was a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2022 and will be a judge in the final week of this year’s MasterChef, which is currently airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Speaking about her new role, Haugh commented: "I’m delighted to be back on MasterChef and judging alongside the wonderful Grace Dent, whose writing and wit I’ve admired for years. MasterChef has long inspired and resonated with cooks in home kitchens and of course in my industry. I can’t wait to get into the studio for what will be a great competition."