Who Will Replace Gregg Wallace On MasterChef?
Gregg Wallace has co-hosted MasterChef alongside John Torode since 2005, but he is to step away from the coveted position.
Apart from already recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals - which will continue to air throughout the current series - the TV presenter won't be judging MasterChef while allegations of historical misconduct by individuals are investigated, it has been revealed.
This is according to the show's production company Banijay UK, who said in a statement: "This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows."
Gregg is "committed to fully co-operating throughout the process".
Banijay UK added: "While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process."
This news has sparked speculation on UK betting sites about who might replace Gregg on MasterChef.
Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
Keeping It In The Family
One move that would make perfect sense would be for BBC bosses to bring John's wife Lisa Faulkner in as Gregg's temporary replacement, if one is needed.
The pair met when Lisa was a contestant on the 2010 version of Celebrity MasterChef, which she went on to win, and they have now been married since 2019.
The happy couple have co-hosted various food shows - including John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen - over the years, and Lisa is still a regular on MasterChef, when she appears as part of the "dining room" of returning stars, who help John and Gregg to judge contestants in the latter stages.
Who Will Replace Gregg Wallace On MasterChef Odds
Candidate | Odds | Probability |
Lisa Faulkner | 6/4 | 40% |
Nigella Lawson | 13/8 | 38.1% |
Grace Dent | 2/1 | 33.3% |
Monica Galetti | 5/2 | 28.6% |
Marcus Wareing | 3/1 | 25% |
Tom Kerridge | 4/1 | 20% |
Gino D'Acampo | 5/1 | 16.7% |
Delia Smith | 6/1 | 14.3% |
James Martin | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Lorraine Pascale | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Dame Mary Berry | 9/1 | 10% |
Dame Prue Leith | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Lisa Snowdon | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Paddy McGuinness | 16/1 | 5.9% |
If MasterChef does require a temporary, or even permanent, replacement for Gregg then Lisa is likely to be in the conversation.
Lisa is the early 6/4 favourite, narrowly ahead of celebrity chef Nigella Lawson who is 13/8.
Nigella is someone who needs no introduction to BBC bosses.
She has fronted several BBC cooking shows over the years and is regarded as a legendary TV chef.
It would be a huge coup for the BBC to bring Nigella to MasterChef, but they might opt for someone even closer to home.
MasterChef Professionals Judges In Contention
Like Lisa, Grace Dent is another who is a regular fixture on the various MasterChef iterations.
The food critic often appears as an additional Celebrity MasterChef judge, who sets the contestants a special challenge, and she would surely be seen as a safe pair of hands to fill in for Gregg.
Grace even put her own culinary reputation on the line in 2023 series MasterChef: Battle of the Critics, which was judged by John and Gregg.
She is 2/1 on betting apps to join the show in place of Gregg, but BBC bosses do have some ready-made MasterChef judges who could make the jump across to the main show.
Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing have bags of MasterChef judging experience from their time trying out contestants' food on spin-off show The Professionals.
The pair are currently judging the 17th series of the show, alongside Gregg.
Monica, who quit the programme in 2022 but confirmed her return last year, is 5/2 to take over from Gregg on the main series, while Marcus isn't far behind at 3/1.
Tom Kerridge is another top celebrity chef who has appeared on both MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals over the years, and it would be a big statement if the BBC could sign the 4/1 chance up for a return.
Let's Be Having You, Delia
But if the BBC are looking for a huge culinary name and they can't land Lawson, then Delia Smith might be high up on their wish list.
The legendary cook and TV host may have some more time on her hands after she and her husband, Michael Wynn Jones, recently stepped down as directors of Norwich City Football Club.
Delia is 6/1, just in front of fellow celebrity chef Lorraine Pascale (8/1) in the market.
Others who may be in contention include a couple of Dames - Mary Berry and Prue Leith.
While both are known for their judging talents on The Great British Bake Off, either would still be big signings for MasterChef.
Mary - who has fronted numerous BBC cookery shows - is a 9/1 outsider to land the position, while Prue is 10/1.
What's more, Paddy McGuinness is another TV presenter who is well liked by the BBC.
He recently replaced Gregg as the presenter of the BBC Two show Inside the Factory, and he's 16/1 to do so on MasterChef, while former Celebrity MasterChef winner Lisa Snowdon is a 12/1 chance.
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