BBC Saturday Kitchen star Mark Tebbutt ‘in talks’ to replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef: ‘Hoping he can work the same magic’
Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt is reportedly in advanced talks to replace Gregg Wallace as a judge and host on BBC’s MasterChef.
The 51-year-old chef and restaurateur is expected to join remaining judge John Torode on the popular cooking competition.
TV insiders claim BBC bosses hope Tebbutt can successfully transition to the role following Wallace’s departure last November.
The move would see Tebbutt potentially take on one of the BBC’s flagship food programmes alongside his current Saturday morning duties.
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A source told The Sun: “Matt rose to the challenge of coming into Saturday Kitchen after it was previously hosted by another big name in the world of food, James Martin.
“He managed the feat of making it his own and almost making viewers forget who his predecessor was — now Beeb bosses, and the show producers Banijay, will be hoping he can work the same magic on MasterChef.”
Tebbutt has presented Saturday Kitchen since 2016 after taking over from Martin, who hosted the show for a decade.
“Since MasterChef is such a huge show with a massive following, the Beeb are keen to have everything lined up ready,” the source continued.
They added that “nothing is set in stone” as the investigations into Wallace are stiIl ongoing.
Wallace stepped down from MasterChef in November amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour spanning a 17-year period.
At least 13 individuals, including Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, reportedly accused him of “wrong” and “sexualised” behaviour during filming.
Wallace and his lawyers have denied the allegations, stating “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.
An investigation into Wallace’s conduct is ongoing.
Father-of-two Tebbutt has spent most of his life in South Wales where he owned a restaurant before pursuing a television career.
He trained at Leiths School of Food and Wine, established by Bake Off judge Prue Leith, and has worked in numerous high-end restaurants.
Tebbutt made his television debut on Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped in 2012.
He has also appeared as a judge on Great British Menu and Channel 4’s Drop Down Menu.
The BBC declined to comment when approached by GB News about the reports.
The People’s Channel has also contacted Banijay and Tebbutt’s representatives for comment.
