Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt is reportedly in advance talks with the BBC to replace Gregg Wallace as host of MasterChef.
The chef, 51, is set to step into the role alongside remaining judge John Torode, 59, following Gregg’s exit last year amid his ‘sexual misconduct’ probe.
In January, food critic Grace Dent started filming Celebrity MasterChef alongside Torode, however The Sun reports that it remains to be seen if she will continue in the role.
A source told the publication: ‘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’.
Before adding: ‘Nothing is set in stone, of course, and the result of investigations into Gregg’s behaviour have yet to fully conclude. But since MasterChef is such a huge show with a massive following, the Beeb are keen to have everything lined up ready’.
Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt is reportedly in advance talks with the BBC to replace Gregg Wallace as host of MasterChef
The chef, 51, is set to step into the role alongside remaining judge John Torode , 59, following Gregg’s exit last year amid his ‘sexual misconduct’ probe (Gregg Wallace pictured)
MailOnline have contacted the BBC and Matt Tebbutt’s reps for comment.
Tebbutt has presented BBC’s Saturday Kitchen since 2016 and has also appeared as a judge on Great British Menu and Channel 4’s Drop Down Menu.
It comes following reports that the show had been pit on ice amid allegations that Wallace had indulged in sexist banter and harassed contestants. He denies any wrongdoing.
When the scandal broke in November, a series of amateur MasterChef was all but complete. Chef Anna Haugh stepped in for the last few filming days alongside Torode.
That show has now been edited and is ready for broadcast on BBC One. It usually goes out between February and April, but has yet to be scheduled for release.
Sources say the BBC feel they have no option but to wait for the outcome of an inquiry into what went on, which is being conducted by lawyers at the firm Lewis Silkin.
They did not want to scrap the show, as it would have punished those who took part.
It was not possible to edit out Wallace’s contributions, as he tastes the dishes alongside Torode and also chats to contestants.
In January, food critic Grace Dent started filming Celebrity MasterChef alongside Torode, however according to reports, it remains to be seen if she will continue in the role
A source said: ‘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 will be hoping he can work his magic on MasterChef’
Lawyers are still interviewing everyone from former contestants to the crew — and of course Wallace himself. Word is that he has yet to give his account.
Then they will report to production company Banijay and the Beeb, with the findings expected to be made public. The Corporation will then decide if it can be shown.
A planned celebrity Christmas MasterChef was scrapped.
It was announced the father-of-three would be stepping back from the BBC show amid an investigation into his conduct.
It later emerged that 13 individuals, including Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark , had reportedly accused him of ‘wrong’ and ‘sexualised’ behaviour during filming across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
Three days after the announcement, the presenter landed himself in more trouble when he declared that his accusers were ‘middle-class women of a certain age’ and claimed that ‘absolutely none’ of the staff on his other shows had complained about him.
Afterwards, Wallace released a somewhat red-faced apology, stating: ‘I wasn’t in a good headspace when I posted it. I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion.’
Wallace stepped back from MasterChef amid an investigation into his conduct over a period of 17 years
At least 13 people have made formal complaints against Wallace, with others alleging inappropriate behaviour on social media
Lawyers, meanwhile, said it was entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.
The Mail understands that the ‘review’ into Wallace’s behaviour on MasterChef is due to have been concluded by the end of February, but that he has yet to be interviewed by the external team in charge of it, who were commissioned by production company Banijay.
A spokesman for Banijay said the investigation is still ongoing and there was no ‘date for issue’ at this stage.
Sources told the Mail’s Alison Boshoff that while he has been spending time with his family, he’s also been focusing on his business Gregg Wallace Health.
‘That’s his main other thing outside of the TV presenting,’ says one source.
A TV source added: ‘He’s basically got to wait until this investigation is concluded, so there is not a lot he can do until that’s done. So, he is in a bit of a hiatus at the moment and a bit of limbo. He is waiting to see.
‘He’s used to working. MasterChef is pretty much a year-round, full-time job. So, he is used to doing that. But he has just got to wait for this investigation to run its course.
‘I think he has come to the realisation over time that it is serious stuff.’
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