Who Will Replace Gregg Wallace On MasterChef?

MasterChef could be on the chopping block over claims made about Gregg Wallace.  

The TV presenter has co-hosted the BBC cookery show alongside John Torode since 2005, but he stepped away from the coveted position last week while allegations of historical misconduct by individuals are investigated.  

Earlier this week, it was revealed already recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals and the festive editions would continue to air. 

However, the BBC has now confirmed two Christmas specials, which were due to air on BBC One later this month, have been shelved.  

* We are giving FIVE lucky people the chance to win £1,000 just before Christmas. Why not enter our free competition below. 

It comes after Wallace was accused of inappropriate sexual comments, although his lawyers have said: "It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature." 

A BBC spokesperson said: "As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned. 

"The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them." 

This has sparked speculation on betting sites about whether MasterChef will continue at all next year.  

MasterChef Facing Axe?  

The BBC's decision to axe two already-filmed Christmas specials means Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off and a MasterChef Strictly Festive Extravaganza won't see the light of day over the festive period.

The former was due to feature Emmerdale star Amy Walsh, The Wanted singer Max George and Love Island's Luca Bish, among others.

Professional dancers Amy Dowden and Gorka Marquez were just two of the celebrities scheduled to appear in the latter. 

Luca was left disappointed by the news, writing on Instagram: "Christmas is cancelled. Gutted our Christmas special has been put on hold but hope to be on your screens again soon." 

Several MasterChef fans have also taken to social media to express their disappointment at the news - but could there be worse to come for the show's die-hard fans?  

Following the latest controversy, it's just 10/11 on betting apps that MasterChef - which originally ran from 1990 to 2001, before being relaunched in 2005 when John and Gregg landed co-hosting roles - will be axed as early as this year.  

MasterChef To Be Axed Odds

However, it is even shorter, at just 4/6, that the show is given the boot next year.  

The programme's production company Banijay UK are undertaking an external review of historical allegations of misconduct involving Wallace, but a timescale of when that will be concluded is not known.  

For now, it's not known whether there will be another civilian MasterChef series next year, or whether there will be a 20th Celebrity MasterChef season either.  

Faulkner And Ramsay In Contention  

If MasterChef does return, then John is unlikely to present solo.  

While it's possible, the show surely needs more than one person to taste the contestants' creations, and if Gregg is axed permanently then it wouldn't be a surprise if the BBC found a replacement.  

If John has a say in who takes over, either temporarily or permanently, then he could back his own wife - Lisa Faulkner.  

The couple met when Lisa was a contestant on the 2010 version of Celebrity MasterChef, which she went on to win, and she and John wed in 2019.  

What's more, the pair already have TV chemistry with one another.  

Who Will Replace Gregg Wallace On MasterChef Odds

They have co-hosted various food shows - including John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen - over the years, and Lisa is still a regular on MasterChef, when she appears as part of the "dining room" of returning stars, who help John and Gregg to judge contestants in the latter stages.  

Lisa is the early 6/4 favourite to replace Gregg, narrowly ahead of legendary celebrity chefs Nigella Lawson (13/8), Gordon Ramsay (11/2) and Delia Smith (6/1). 

Nigella is well known by BBC bosses, after fronting several cooking shows for the corporation over the years, and it could be the boost MasterChef needs if she were to take over.  

Likewise with Ramsay and Smith. Both are huge names in the world of cooking, but the former might have to tone down his sometimes foul-mouthed language.  

BBC's Replacement Hint 

However, the BBC could already be giving fans a huge hint as to who might replace Wallace should the time come.  

While they have shelved the two planned festive episodes of the show, the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals remains on air.  

Wallace is the host, alongside judges Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing.  

It wouldn't be a surprise if either of Galetti or Wareing made the short journey over to the main series if a replacement for Wallace is required.  

Monica, who quit the programme in 2022 but confirmed her return last year, is 5/2 to take over from Gregg on the main series, while Marcus isn't far behind at 3/1.  

Elsewhere, Grace Dent is another who is a regular fixture in various MasterChef iterations.  

The food critic often appears as an additional Celebrity MasterChef judge, who sets the contestants a special challenge, and she would surely be seen as a safe pair of hands to fill in for Gregg.  

Grace even put her own culinary reputation on the line in 2023 series MasterChef: Battle of the Critics, which was judged by John and Gregg.   

She is 2/1 to join the show in place of Gregg, ahead of the likes of celebrity chef Tom Kerridge (4/1), James Martin (9/2), and Gino D'Acampo (5/1). 

* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.