Gregg Wallace, the long-time host of MasterChef, has stepped away from the cooking competition amid ongoing investigations,

and reports suggest that food critic Grace Dent and Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt could be taking his place. 

Wallace, 60, has faced allegations of inappropriate sexual comments spanning a 17-year period, with claims made by 13 individuals across various programs. 

He has denied these allegations, with his legal team issuing a statement firmly rejecting any suggestion of misconduct.

Following Wallace’s departure, Dent stepped in as a temporary replacement on Celebrity MasterChef. 

However, speculation is growing over who will take his place on MasterChef: The Professionals. 

New reports indicate that Matt Tebbutt, best known for hosting Saturday Kitchen, may be set to join long-time co-host John Torode when the next season airs.

A source revealed that Tebbutt has been a strong candidate for the role due to his ability to seamlessly take over established cooking programs. When he replaced James Martin on Saturday Kitchen in 2017, he managed to make the show his own and win over audiences. Producers and BBC executives reportedly hope that he can replicate this success on MasterChef.

“Matt rose to the challenge of coming into Saturday Kitchen after it was previously hosted by another big name in the world of food, James Martin,” a TV insider shared. “He managed the feat of making it his own and almost making viewers forget who his predecessor was. Now, BBC bosses and the show’s producers, Banijay, will be hoping he can work the same magic on MasterChef.”

The source further stated that while no final decision has been made, the BBC wants to be prepared in advance given the popularity of MasterChef. “Nothing is set in stone, of course, and the result of investigations into Gregg’s behavior has yet to fully conclude. But since MasterChef is such a huge show with a massive following, the BBC is keen to have everything lined up.”

Tebbutt, 51, has built a solid reputation as a presenter since taking over Saturday Kitchen. His engaging style and deep knowledge of the culinary world have made him a fan favorite, which makes him a strong contender for the MasterChef role.

Meanwhile, Wallace recently resurfaced on social media after a period of absence. His first post, shared in February, included a motivational image depicting one woman offering a helping hand to another, with the caption hinting at personal transformation and the fear of change. “We often want to change but fear it. We feel comfort in routine, even if that routine is harmful. We shouldn’t be afraid of asking for help,” he wrote.

Prior to that, Wallace shared another reflective post on the importance of self-promise and personal growth, writing: “Sunday can be a time for reflection. Perhaps make ourselves a promise for next week.” His return to social media also included a recipe for protein pancakes, marking his first engagement with followers after months of silence.

Wallace had taken a step back from the public eye in late 2024 amid growing scrutiny. Although he has denied the allegations against him, the controversy surrounding his departure from MasterChef has left room for speculation about the show’s future. With Dent already stepping in on Celebrity MasterChef and Tebbutt rumored to be the next host of MasterChef: The Professionals, changes to the beloved competition seem imminent.

The BBC has yet to make an official announcement regarding Wallace’s permanent replacement. However, with MasterChef’s massive following, the network is expected to finalize its decision soon to ensure the smooth continuation of the franchise. Fans will be eagerly awaiting confirmation of who will step into Wallace’s shoes and bring a fresh energy to the competition.

As the situation unfolds, MasterChef enthusiasts will be keeping a close watch on developments, eager to see whether Matt Tebbutt will indeed take the reins alongside John Torode. Until then, speculation will continue, and Wallace’s future in television remains uncertain amid the ongoing investigation.

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