Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s replacements as the faces of MasterChef are believed to have already been chosen by BBC bosses following the duo’s respective exits.
The alleged appointments follow the recent departures of Wallace and Torode from the long-running series. Wallace was sacked after 45 out of 83 allegations about his behaviour were substantiated following an investigation, while Torode’s contract wasn’t renewed after a claim of “racial language” was upheld.
Now, Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt and Great British Menu host Andi Oliver are the pair who are said to have been chosen to replace Wallace and Torode on the long-running cooking competition.
According to sources, the pair would create a “dream line-up” alongside Grace Dent, who will continue hosting the celebrity version of the programme.
An insider claimed to The Sun: “Matt is seen as a really safe pair of hands by the BBC. He has been in the frame for some time and is now being lined up for MasterChef.”
Torode’s contract was not renewed after an allegation of using racist language was upheld, with the BBC stating he allegedly used “an extremely offensive racist term” in the workplace on two occasions.
The BBC views Tebbutt as particularly suitable for the role, given his extensive presenting experience.
The source added: “The BBC is keen to bring Andi Oliver on board too. She has been so popular as host of the Great British Menu.”
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However, Oliver’s participation remains uncertain due to scheduling commitments. “They’re not sure if she can commit at this stage because of her schedule with that show, but everyone is hoping they can get her on board,” the insider revealed.
The source emphasised that whilst nothing has been finalised, this represents the ideal presenting team the BBC hopes to secure.
Dent, who has already stepped in to host Celebrity MasterChef alongside Torode, is expected to remain in the role.
The 51-year-old columnist and broadcaster received praise for her performance on the spin-off programme.
“Grace was brilliant on the celebrity spin-off,” the source noted. She is anticipated to continue presenting Celebrity MasterChef with Tebbutt as part of the new hosting arrangement.
Dent was initially considered for the main MasterChef presenting position, but will now focus on the celebrity version. The source claimed: “Nothing is set in stone yet, but this is the dream line-up they’re hoping for.”
The BBC declined to comment when contacted by GB News for comment.
The BBC’s current contract with production company Banijay runs until 2028, with executives keen to maintain the programme due to its appeal to younger audiences.
Oliver’s appointment would help the programme avoid criticism of being “pale and stale” from younger viewers, according to the source.
“Everyone loves Andi and she would be perfect for the role in many ways,” they said.
The insider added: “She is very talented on her own merit but she would also help bring a more diverse look for the show, which is much needed. The last thing the show wants is to be slapped with being ‘pale, and stale’ by a new generation of food lovers.”
Oliver, who has presented Great British Menu and authored The Pepperpot Diaries: Stories From My Caribbean Table, previously ran the award-winning restaurant Andi’s. Her broadcasting experience spans both television and radio, alongside her earlier career as a singer.
