Gregg Wallace is reportedly losing ground in potentially retaining his spot on MasterChef, following historical allegations of misconduct and fresh harassment claims, currently under external review. The 60 year old television chef has stepped back from presenting the popular BBC show.
His legal representatives have strongly refuted the allegations, stating it’s “entirely ‘false’ that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”, and Gregg himself has firmly denied all claims against him.
MasterChef staff and past participants, including well-known figures like Emma Kennedy and Kirsty Wark, have reported instances where Wallace’s behaviour made them uncomfortable during filming.
Now, fellow TV chef James Martin, 52, is tipped as a strong contender to fill his shoes, according to bookmakers. The beloved Yorkshireman hosts his own ITV series, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, and previously led Saturday Kitchen on BBC.
His “impressive” career trajectory has led to speculation that he might replace Gregg and co-host MasterChef with John Torode, 59. Bookies BetFred have him as the favourite, with odds of 5/2 to take over from Gregg.
However, other potential successors include John’s wife Lisa Faulkner with odds of 3/1, Nigella Lawson at 4/1 and Gino D’Acampo at 5/1. Betfred spokesperson Kayley Cornelius commented: “With Gregg Wallace unlikely to return to MasterChef, the big question is who might step into his shoes.”
She added: “At the moment, TV chef James Martin is the bookies’ favourite to take over as the new face of the iconic series, with odds of 5/2. With experience hosting Saturday Kitchen and regularly appearing on This Morning, a prime-time show could be the perfect next step in James’s already impressive career.”
Following the news that two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials have been removed from the BBC’s schedule, former greengrocer and host Gregg has stepped back from presenting the popular cooking show.
On Monday, Wallace issued an apology for his earlier comments where he suggested that complaints about his behaviour came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”, stating he will now “take some time out”.