Matt Tebbutt casts doubt on future of Saturday Kitchen after it was revealed he is ‘in talks’ to replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef

Matt Tebbutt cast doubt on the future of Saturday Kitchen after it was revealed he is ‘in talks’ to replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef. 

Back in November Gregg stepped back from the BBC show after being under investigation over a string of allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

And earlier this month, it was reported that TV chef Matt might be adding MasterChef to his list of TV programmes that he has presented. 

But after the announcement, Matt told the Grilled by The Staff Canteen podcast that he thought Saturday Kitchen would come to an end at some point.

Matt revealed he would eventually have to find something else to take on, possibly back working in kitchens, amid the MasterChef rumours.  

‘It’s going to stop at some point,’ he said. ‘I’m going to have to do something.’

Matt Tebbutt cast doubt on the future of Saturday Kitchen after it was revealed he is ‘in talks’ to replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef

Back in November Gregg (right) stepped back from the BBC show after being under investigation over a string of allegations of inappropriate behaviour

Earlier this month it was revealed that Matt was said to be ‘in talks’ to replace Gregg – who presented the popular show between 2005 and 2024.

Speculation over who was going to replace him ended in January when food critic Grace Dent was revealed as the new presenter.

Grace has appeared on MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef over the years as a regular critic. 

The columnist started filming the celebrity version of the programme alongside her new co-star John Torode, 59, last month. 

But according to The Sun, it is not known if she will continue with the role for the main show. 

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.’

And earlier this month, it was reported that TV chef Matt might be adding MasterChef to his list of TV programmes that he has presented

Earlier this month it was revealed that Matt was said to be ‘in talks’ to replace Gregg – who presented the popular show between 2005 and 2024

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.’

MailOnline contacted the BBC and Matt Tebbutt’s reps for comments at the time. 

Matt 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.

There were reports that the show had been pit on ice amid allegations that Gregg 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.

In January, food critic Grace Dent (right) started filming Celebrity MasterChef alongside Torode, however The Sun reported that it remains to be seen if she will continue in the role

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 Gregg’s contributions, as he tastes the dishes alongside Torode and also chats to contestants.

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.