They start filming the new series of MasterChef next year — and sources at the show are already ruling out the possibility of Gregg Wallace returning, no matter what the inquiry into his behaviour finds.
The question is: who will be stepping into his shoes? At this early stage, the programme bosses would like chef Andi Oliver or food critic Grace Dent to take Wallace’s place.
Oliver has worked on Great British Menu and presented her own show, Andi’s Fabulous Feasts. Dent has appeared on MasterChef as a judge many times.
I’m told that the ‘dream’ would be to pair one of them with renowned chef Angela Hartnett, a previous guest judge. She has a hugely successful podcast, Dish, with Nick Grimshaw, and a lot of broadcasting experience. But they fear that they might not be able to persuade her to hop on board.
Wallace’s co-host John Torode is described by one on the show as ‘the legacy host’, and it looks as if the idea that he was around — and thus possibly a witness to Wallace’s behaviour — may count against him, at least for some.
He has presented the cooking show alongside Wallace since 2005. Torode himself is keen to hang on, as he made clear with a statement on Wednesday this week.
I am told: ‘The idea of a complete reboot is appealing.’ Another source demurs: ‘It’s too early to say anything definitive yet — except that Gregg won’t be coming back.’
They continued: ‘Angela Hartnett is the ideal person they would love to get on the show, but it’s not clear if she might agree, and if she would want to devote the time to it.
Greg Wallace on ‘Loose Women’ TV show, London, UK – 19 Jun 2023
John Torode on ‘This Morning’ TV show, London, UK – 15 Oct 2024
John Torode and Gregg Wallace John Torode and Gregg Wallace at the ‘Masterchef’ Studios, London, Britain
‘They want to have one presenter who is a proper, authentic professional chef. The other person, the ‘Gregg’ if you like, could be Andi Oliver or Grace Dent. They really like Grace Dent.
‘I think that some people also like Tom Allen and (chef) Matt Tebbutt. It won’t be Jay Rayner. He is ‘too strong meat’ for people.’
The source added that Wallace believes Torode would be happy for his wife, actress Lisa Faulkner and previous Celebrity MasterChef winner, to present the show with him. That’s thought to be what prompted him to unfollow the pair of them on social media. However I’m told that a ‘nepotistic’ hire of Torode’s wife doesn’t strike bosses as the best solution to the current crisis.
Wallace announced this week that he is ‘stepping away’ from the show amid numerous allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
