MasterChef Odds: Who Will Replace John Torode And Gregg Wallace?

The BBC appears to be on the lookout for two new MasterChef presenters after Gregg Wallace and John Torode were let go, and there's a competitive market on betting sites about who will replace the pair. 

MasterChef viewers are used to the chopping being done by the contestants at their stations, but BBC bosses have now confirmed both Gregg and John have got the chop from the iconic cooking series. 

Earlier this week, the BBC confirmed it had "no plans to work" with Gregg again after a report carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin, on behalf of MasterChef's production company Banijay UK.

The investigation substantiated 45 out of 83 allegations, including claims of inappropriate sexual language, humour, and one alleged incident of "unwelcome physical contact", against the former greengrocer.

While Gregg insisted he has been "cleared of the most serious and sensational accusations" made against him, the BBC said his position at MasterChef was "untenable". 

A day later, the BBC confirmed Gregg's co-host John had also been sacked from the programme after he "identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him". 

John continues to deny the allegation, insisting he has "no recollection" of it, but he confirmed he was finished with MasterChef. 

Who Will Replace John Torode And Gregg Wallace On MasterChef Odds

Following news of his sacking - which he learned about after reading the news online - he said in a statement: "Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future.

"Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last.

"Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have."

Proper Tasty Replacements 

As John pointed out, he has already filmed a Celebrity MasterChef series with food critic and show regular Grace Dent, after she replaced Gregg while a review into his behaviour was carried out.

If only Gregg had departed the show, it would have made sense to continue with John and Grace at the helm.

However, now that both John and Gregg have exited the series, it may give the BBC an opportunity to form a new MasterChef double act.

Tom Kerridge is the 11/8 favourite on betting apps to land the role, with his Proper Tasty podcast co-host Chris Stark priced at 6/4 to join him.

Celebrity chef Kerridge is highly regarded in the culinary world, and is the only chef in the UK to operate a pub with two Michelin stars.

While Chris is not a chef, he is a keen barbecue enthusiast and has considerable experience as a radio presenter.

Both are also well known to the BBC — Tom has appeared on MasterChef several times, and Chris was previously co-host of The Scott Mills Show on BBC Radio 1.

It would not be a surprise if the BBC opted for another chef and non-chef pairing, in the style of John and Gregg.

Another popular duo who have already demonstrated strong on-screen chemistry on MasterChef are MasterChef: The Professionals judges Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing.

Both are priced at 7/2 to take over from John and Gregg, and could seamlessly step into the main show's hotseats.

Just behind them in the betting, at 4/1, are the mother-and-daughter duo of chef Andi Oliver and TV presenter Miquita Oliver.

Big Zuu's MasterChef 

If BBC bosses are hoping to appeal to younger viewers with their choice of replacement, then Big Zuu could be their man.

Best known for presenting his comedy food series Big Zuu’s Big Eats on Dave, the rapper could bring fresh energy to MasterChef, which is currently facing a period of uncertainty.

Zuu has previously welcomed Mel Giedroyc as a guest on his show, and she could make a fitting co-host for him on MasterChef.

Mel is no stranger to BBC food programming, having previously co-hosted The Great British Bake Off before Channel 4 acquired the rights.

Other high-profile chefs reportedly in contention for the MasterChef role include James Martin (2/1), Nigella Lawson (3/1) and Gordon Ramsay (6/1).

If any of that trio are selected, it would not be a surprise to see them paired with the likes of Dent (15/8), Alison Hammond (5/1) or Rylan Clark (8/1) to front a refreshed version of MasterChef.

From MasterChef Winner To Presenter 

But the BBC could deliver a full-circle moment for one of its former Celebrity MasterChef winners instead.

Lisa Snowdon (9/2) and Angellica Bell (11/2) are both in contention to co-host the show — but that is if it continues.

Just hours after John Torode was removed from the programme, BBC director-general Tim Davie insisted the series is "much bigger than individuals", and said he "absolutely" believes there is a future for MasterChef.

MasterChef To Be Axed Odds

However, Davie also acknowledged that the broadcaster needs to "make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show".

Despite this, it is 13/8 that MasterChef is axed this year following recent events, and 7/4 that such a decision is made next year.

However, MasterChef currently has a deal with the BBC running until 2028.

The show is 5/2 to be shelved in three years, and 3/1 for it to be cancelled in 2029 or later.

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