The Saturday Kitchen chef, 52, replaced Gregg Wallace as host of the 18th edition of the professional series, alongside Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti.
Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has discontinued his High Court claim against the BBC for 'distress and harassment', receiving no damages following his exit from the show.
The Saturday Kitchen star, 52, appeared on the first episode of the culinary contest's 18th season alongside fellow chefs and judges. Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti.
The host, 60, was given the boot in July after being accused of using a racist slur, while co-host Gregg Wallace was sacked after more than 40 complaints about his conduct were upheld.
The food critic, 52, will join Anna Haugh, 44, to present the 2026 series and admitted it was time to rescue the cookery competition from the 'male energy'.