It wasn’t so long ago that I assumed the reputation of MasterChef had been charred beyond repair. But now, thanks to its new presenters, I have hope that something can be retrieved and restored from the ashes.

After months of speculation, it was confirmed this week that restaurant critic Grace Dent and Irish chef Anna Haugh would be stepping into the kitchen and replacing Gregg Wallace and John Torode as hosts.

Consequently, they are trusted with a British institution. Everyone knows MasterChef, even if they don’t watch it. It’s as much a pillar of BBC evening entertainment as Mastermind or The One Show, meaning simply signing up for the job catapults Dent and Haugh towards household name status by default.

Personally, I can’t think of anyone better to step up to the plate because, afte

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