The British culinary TV world is in a bit of a daze right now.
MasterChef – that long-standing cooking competition staple – is suddenly without its iconic hosts.
After years of leading the show, Gregg Wallace and John Torode are out, and no one quite knows who’s stepping in to replace them. Even some of the UK’s biggest names in food are just as confused as the fans.
Tom Kerridge Clears the Air on the MasterChef Rumors
One name that’s been popping up in speculation? Tom Kerridge.
The popular Michelin-starred chef has been a familiar face on shows like Great British Menu and has appeared on MasterChef before.
But despite all the chatter, Kerridge insists he hasn’t received so much as a call from the BBC.
“There hasn’t been a single thing,” he told MailOnline.
“I’m just reading the same stuff you are in the papers. I doubt it’ll be me.”
Too Busy to Take Over?
Kerridge pointed out that his plate is already pretty full—literally and figuratively.
He spends nine weeks a year filming Great British Menu, and says that time commitment could make him a tricky choice for the MasterChef role.
The same goes for fellow chef Andi Oliver, whose name has also come up in recent odds.
“She hasn’t said anything to me either,” Kerridge joked.
“Didn’t even get a text from her today.”
Radio Silence Among the Chef Circle
While the fanbase is busy speculating, Kerridge admits that among the chefs themselves, it’s pretty quiet.
“There’s just this weird silence at the moment,” he said.
“But whoever gets it will have a magical kind of experience. MasterChef is such a phenomenal show. It’s amazing.”
Still, Kerridge reiterated that he genuinely doesn’t know what’s going on behind the scenes.
“I know nothing about the show’s future.”
Gregg Wallace’s Sudden BBC Ban
The confusion about replacements comes in the wake of some serious drama.
Gregg Wallace was recently banned from working with the BBC altogether after execs said they’d lost faith in his ability to change his “learned behaviour.”
That decision followed a number of internal complaints, though specifics have not been fully disclosed.
The Controversy Around John Torode’s Exit
Not long after that, it emerged that John Torode had also been quietly sacked.
Reports claim he was overheard using the N-word—twice—while singing along to Kanye West’s Gold Digger during an after-work social, allegedly around six or seven years ago.
Another report says he repeated the term during a conversation with someone on the production team who wasn’t personally offended, but the issue was still flagged.
A Claim Torode Says He Can’t Recall
Torode, 59, insists he has “absolutely no recollection” of using the word and says he hasn’t even been directly contacted by the BBC or production company Banijay about his removal.
However, a source told The Sun that Torode did apologize immediately at the time and was reportedly “mortified,” insisting he didn’t use the term in a derogatory way.
Despite that, the BBC concluded an internal investigation and said his contract would not be renewed due to the use of an “extremely offensive racist term.”
Richard Osman Weighs In
The BBC and Banijay haven’t confirmed exactly what word was used, but Pointless star Richard Osman described it as “the worst racial slur there is,” fueling speculation that it was, indeed, the N-word.
The BBC reportedly believes their evidence is strong enough to hold up in court if Torode were to sue.
Mixed Reactions from Former Colleagues
Reactions from those who’ve worked with Torode have been divided.
Some sources say they’re relieved he’s gone, calling him “horrible” to work with.
One insider labeled him “very rude and patronising,” while others have taken a more neutral stance.
Still, Torode maintains his innocence and expressed his frustration via Instagram: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.”
Rumors of Mental Health Exit Denied
There were also claims that the BBC asked Torode to step away for mental health reasons, but insiders close to the matter have dismissed those suggestions.
One source said, “The BBC never suggested he resign, nor raised mental health.”
What Happens Next for MasterChef?
With both Torode and Wallace gone, the big question remains: who will step into their shoes?
The upcoming episodes, already filmed, will feature restaurant critic and I’m A Celeb alum Grace Dent alongside Torode before his exit. Beyond that, it’s all speculation.
As for Kerridge? He’s happy to cheer from the sidelines – unless, of course, his phone finally rings.