John Torode’s MasterChef replacement race sees BBC co-star emerge as favourite to take over role
Three top chefs are ‘in the running’ to replace culinary duo Gregg Wallace and John Torode on BBC MasterChef, after the pair were axed from the popular cooking show following an investigation into misconduct allegations.
Wallace, 60, was sacked earlier in the week following an inquiry into alleged misconduct, with 45 allegations of inappropriate behavior being substantiated, including one of unwelcome physical contact.
Torode, 59, was booted from the show yesterday, just days after his co-star was fired, after a historic allegation of racial language was upheld.
The Australian chef took to Instagram to share his reaction to the news: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.”
The father of two expressed frustration at the situation, stating: “The enquiry could not even state the date or year of what I am meant to have said something wrong.
“I’d hoped that I’d have some say in my exit from a show I’ve worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in the last few days seem to have prevented that.
“Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future.”
He concluded his statement by wishing good luck to his successor, and that he would continue watching the show he loved.
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Following the shock departures, the top three names have been revealed as to who can replace the long-standing duo.
According to whataretheodds.co.uk, Great British Menu host Andi Oliver is the favourite with 5/2 odds to take over the show.
The 62-year-old host is an award-winning chef and broadcaster who has worked closely with the BBC for many years, including being a regular contributor to Saturday Kitchen.
If Oliver lands the prized gig, she would also be the first black presenter in the show’s 35-year history.
Household name Tom Kerridge is also pinning for a white apron, as his odds sit comfortably at 3/1, making him a strong contender to take over the show.
The Michelin-starred chef owns a variety of British restaurants and cookbooks, including a hugely successful ‘Gastro-pub’ ready meal collaboration with Marks & Spencer.
He has a strong reputation for fine dining and everyday cooking, and would resonate harmoniously with the MasterChef audience.
Another unlikely contender is the self-proclaimed ‘potato queen’ and TikToker Poppy O’Toole.
The TikTok sensation made her leap from the small screen after she appeared on ITV’s This Morning, and went on to present BBC Young MasterChef.
The 29-year-old’s fresh perspective would blow away the stagnant air left behind by the male duo, with her odds sitting at 4/1.
Other names include Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett at 5/1 and Bake-off alumni Nadiya Hussain at 6/1.
Further down are TV staples like James Martin, Grace Dent, and Nigella Lawson, along with Marcus Wareing and Lisa Faulkner.
BBC director-general Tim Davie condemned the “serious racist term” used by Torode, after it was announced his contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.
In an interview with BBC News on Tuesday, Davie claimed he views the events as an opportunity for the corporation to “reset”.
He added he was “happy that the team were taking action”, adding: “It’s really important that we are taking this seriously. It’s a reset where we make sure that people are living up to the values we expect across the board.”
It’s unconfirmed whether the current series of MasterChef, which is still in production, will air.