Anna Haugh: From Dublin Kitchen to MasterChef Judge – A Chef’s Rising Star Continues to Shine

A New Chapter in British Television

In a significant development for British television, Irish chef Anna Haugh is set to replace Gregg Wallace as co-host of MasterChef following allegations of misconduct that led to his firing.

The transition comes after an independent report substantiated 45 allegations against Wallace, including claims of inappropriate sexual language and unwelcome physical contact. Wallace will not appear in the series after the semi-finals.

A Distinguished Career

Haugh, born in 1980 in Dublin and raised in Tallaght, received her professional training at the TU Dublin School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology. Her impressive career journey began in Dublin with Derry Clarke of L’Ecrivain, before moving to London where she worked with renowned chefs Philip Howard, Shane Osborn, and Gordon Ramsay. She also gained experience working with Gualtiero Marchesi in Paris.

Current Ventures and Achievements

In early 2025, Haugh presented a fifteen-part cookery series called ‘Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour,’ which aired on BBC One Northern Ireland. She currently owns both Myrtle Restaurant in Chelsea, London, and the nearby Wee Sister Wine Bar.

Haugh’s vision extends beyond traditional cooking. As she explains, ‘At first, all I wanted to do was learn how to cook. But now, my biggest goal is how can we improve people’s lives?’ She believes that chefs trained in Michelin-starred kitchens have the expertise to create accessible recipes using simple, relatable ingredients.

Looking Forward

While the BBC acknowledged that broadcasting the 2025 series amid controversy ‘has not been an easy decision,’ they maintained that it was ‘the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process.’ The corporation is yet to make decisions regarding the celebrity series and Christmas special.