Exclusive: Tearful Grace Dent breaks silence on 'life-changing' MasterChef role

"I can't believe that I'm presenting MasterChef, because this isn't just a TV gig," Grace told podcast host Ateh Jewel. 

"This is one of the most important shows in British television – on primetime, on BBC One. That changes people's lives." 

Having been involved with the show in various capacities since 2013, Grace said that stepping into the main presenting role had been a life-long goal. 

"I've always dreamed of presenting. It's been incredible. We've filmed one season, we filmed a season of Celebrity MasterChef. I had so much fun. I can't believe they're paying me."

Visibly moved, Grace continued: "Look, I've been watching that show and all of its different forms since I was a little girl, so to now be standing there when all those contestants walk in, it's a dream come true. I'm quite emotional. Gosh, I never get emotional."

Grace also reflected on the impact the beloved show has on viewers. 

"What I enjoy and am fascinated by is how, out in the street, people keep approaching me and kind of touching my arm, saying that they're so happy about it and telling me stories about watching it with their children. 

"It's a life-changing thing, being on MasterChef. And this is why people who cook on it and compete, that's why they put in so much work. 

"It will take over your life if you enter that competition because it is a life-changing thing."

The food critic and writer continued: "You can be a little bit well-known in London when you walk around – but MasterChef, its audience, it's a mixed bag of people. People come up to you everywhere at all times. You have no privacy ever again." 

Reflecting on her own experiences, Grace said: "It doesn't matter where you go. You could be literally eating a scone in a garden centre cafe and feel the staff running to the bathroom to change the toilet rolls because they're so terrified. And I'm like, 'I'm just eating a scone – I'm not writing!'"

Grace is no stranger to the series, having appeared regularly as a guest and even stepping in to present Celebrity MasterChef when Gregg Wallace withdrew earlier this year.

Meanwhile, 44-year-old Anna Haugh has also been a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals. 

Anna began her career with one of Ireland's leading chefs, Derry Clarke of L'Ecrivain, and has worked with the likes of Philip Howard, Shane Osborn and Gordon Ramsay.

Gregg and John fronted the franchise for two decades before stepping down earlier this year after a report upheld misconduct claims. 

While the BBC chose to air the already-filmed amateurs' series, Grace and Anna now lead MasterChef into a new era.