I’m A Celebrity star and food critic Grace Dent is set to be announced as Gregg Wallace’s MasterChef replacement by the BBC next week.

She regularly appears as a critic on MasterChef and is known for her straight-shooting comments on the popular programme.

It comes after the 60-year-old BBC regular stepped back from the cooking show after twenty years, as various allegations emerged that he had made sexual comments to staff and guests.

Reports suggest that Wallace’s replacement is to be announced imminently. Dent would be presenting the show alongside veteran host John Torode.

A TV source told The Sun: “Grace is the perfect choice to replace Gregg on Masterchef.

Gregg Wallace’s MasterChef ‘replacement’ will soon be unveiled (Image: ITV)

“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 has become a well-known face on mainstream TV, having appeared on I’m A Celebrity last year.

Grace Dent is set to be announced as Gregg Wallace’s replacement (Image: Getty)

She dramatically quit her stint on I’m a Celeb last year, citing “medical grounds”.

A BBC spokesperson has said about the allegations against Wallace: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.

“Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”

The BBC has since decided to cancel the pre-recorded Celebrity MasterChef festive specials. BBC News reports that the celebrity contestants involved in the episodes have been “spoken to about the reasons behind the decision to pull the show”.