December 11th 2024.
The future of the popular cooking show, MasterChef, is currently up in the air as various names have been thrown into the mix to potentially replace longtime presenter Gregg Wallace. The 60-year-old BBC presenter has recently stepped back from the programme amidst several allegations made against him, including accusations of making inappropriate sexual jokes and lewd comments on set, as well as requesting the phone numbers of female members of production staff and behaving in a sexually harassing manner towards women working on his shows. These allegations have resulted in the BBC halting the airing of the MasterChef Christmas specials and casting uncertainty over the upcoming season of the main series.
As the investigation into these allegations continues, it remains unclear if MasterChef will return for its scheduled Spring 2025 release. One source has even hinted at the possibility of a complete reboot of the show. Meanwhile, another insider has confirmed that Gregg Wallace will not be returning as host. Amidst all the uncertainty, many have speculated on who could potentially replace Wallace as co-host alongside John Torode. Here are the top seven contenders:
James Martin, who previously hosted Saturday Kitchen for a decade, is currently leading the odds as a replacement. He has also hosted a number of other cooking shows and is a fan favorite for the role. Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett, who has appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef, is also being considered as a potential replacement. She is known for her appearances on Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen and her popular podcast, Dish, alongside Nick Grimshaw.
Another contender is Andi Oliver, who has previously appeared on Food Glorious Food and regularly appears on The Kitchen Cabinet. She has also replaced Dame Prue Leith on Great British Menu. When asked about the controversy surrounding Wallace, Andi suggested that it may have been blown out of proportion. Other names being thrown into the mix include Anton Du Beke, who has previously filled in for Bruno Tonioli on Strictly Come Dancing, and Matt Tebbutt, who has guest hosted Saturday Kitchen.
However, whoever takes on the role of co-host must have the approval of John Torode, who has stated that he loves his job and will continue to be a part of MasterChef. Ultimately, the decision rests in the hands of the BBC, who will have to carefully consider the impact of their choice on the popular cooking show. For now, fans will have to wait and see how the situation unfolds and who will ultimately take on the coveted role.
The future of MasterChef is uncertain, as the show's longtime presenter Gregg Wallace has stepped back amid allegations of inappropriate behavior. The BBC has launched an investigation into these claims, which include making sexual jokes and comments on set, asking for phone numbers from female staff, and undressing in front of women. Additionally, more than 13 people have come forward with complaints, alleging that Wallace sexually harassed them over a period of 17 years.
As a result, the BBC has postponed the MasterChef Christmas specials and it is unclear if the upcoming season, which recently finished filming, will still air in Spring 2025. Sources say that a complete reboot of the show is being considered, with one insider stating, "The idea of a complete reboot is appealing." Another source confirms that Wallace will not be returning, saying, "It's too early to say anything definitive yet - except that Gregg won't be coming back."
While Wallace's co-star John Torode has chosen not to comment on the allegations during the investigation, he has expressed his love for the show. He stated, "I love my job, and I love MasterChef. I love being part of it and will continue to be part of it." As speculation continues about who could potentially replace Wallace, some names have emerged as top contenders.
Among them is James Martin, who previously hosted Saturday Kitchen and currently hosts Saturday Morning with James Martin on ITV. He is the early favorite for the position, with bookmakers giving him odds of 2/1. Other potential replacements include Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett, who has appeared on MasterChef as a guest judge, and Andi Oliver, a regular panellist on The Kitchen Cabinet and Great British Menu.
However, some have questioned the severity of the allegations against Wallace. Andi Oliver believes that the controversy has been blown out of proportion, stating, "The thing to do is not be too melodramatic about it." As the investigation continues, it is unclear who will ultimately take over as the co-host of MasterChef alongside Torode.
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