BBC bosses are gearing up for a major transformation on MasterChef,
as reports suggest that Saturday Kitchen star Matt Tebbutt is set to replace Gregg Wallace as the judge and host of the popular cooking competition.
The 51-year-old chef and restaurateur is said to be in advanced discussions with producers and could also take on a role in the spin-off series, MasterChef: The Professionals.
Wallace, who had been a fixture on the show since 2005, stepped away from his role in November amid allegations of inappropriate behavior.
The departure left the BBC scrambling to find a suitable replacement, and it appears that Tebbutt is the frontrunner to step into the role alongside longtime judge John Torode.
Tebbutt has become a household name in the culinary television world, thanks to his tenure on Saturday Kitchen.
Having successfully taken over from former host James Martin, he has proven his ability to engage audiences and establish himself as a trusted TV chef. A source close to the production revealed that BBC executives and MasterChef producers at Banijay UK believe he has the charisma and expertise to bring new energy to the show.
The source stated, “Matt rose to the challenge of taking over Saturday Kitchen from a big name like James Martin and made it his own. Now, BBC bosses are hoping he can work the same magic on MasterChef.”
However, while discussions are reportedly in the final stages, no official confirmation has been made. The investigation into Wallace’s alleged misconduct is ongoing, and the BBC appears to be taking careful steps before finalizing its decision. Producers are eager to have everything lined up to ensure a smooth transition for one of their most-watched programs.
In the meantime, food critic and writer Grace Dent has stepped in as a judge for Celebrity MasterChef, offering continuity while the network finalizes plans for the main series.
Tebbutt’s culinary career has deep roots. Before stepping into television, he trained at the prestigious Leiths School of Food and Wine, founded by Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith. He later worked in some of the UK’s top restaurants before opening his own eatery in South Wales. His first major television role came in 2012 on Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped, before he joined Saturday Kitchen as a guest presenter and eventually became the permanent host.
Meanwhile, Wallace has embarked on a new career path following his departure from MasterChef. He recently launched a line of “healthy” frozen ready meals, which he promotes through his online health platform. In a YouTube video, he shared his enthusiasm for the venture, saying, “I have been working for quite a while now on frozen ready meals from the GreggWallace.health range of recipes.”
Although Wallace’s exit was marked by controversy, MasterChef remains one of the BBC’s flagship shows, and producers are keen to maintain its popularity. If confirmed, Tebbutt’s appointment would mark a significant shift for the long-running series, potentially ushering in a new era for the beloved cooking competition.
With its loyal fan base and a fresh face possibly stepping in as judge, MasterChef is poised for an exciting future, with viewers eagerly awaiting the official confirmation of Tebbutt’s role.
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