They begin filming the new series of MasterChef next year, and show sources are already ruling out the possibility of Gregg Wallace returning, no matter what the investigation into his behavior finds.
The question is: who will take his place? At this early stage, show bosses would like chef Andi Oliver or food critic Grace Dent to take Wallace’s place.
Oliver worked on Great British Menu and presented her own show, Andi’s Fabulous Feasts. Dent has appeared many times on MasterChef as a judge.
They told me the “dream” would be to pair one of them with renowned chef Angela Hartnett, a previous guest judge. He has a hugely successful podcast, Dish, with Nick Grimshaw, and plenty of experience in broadcasting. But they fear they won’t be able to convince her to come on board.
Wallace’s co-host John Torode is described by someone on the show as “the legacy host,” and it seems the idea that he was present (and therefore possibly witnessed Wallace’s behavior) may work against him. , at least for some. .
He has hosted the cooking show alongside Wallace since 2005. Torode himself is willing to stick it out, as he made clear in a statement on Wednesday of this week.
They tell me, “The idea of a complete reboot is attractive.” Another source objects: “It’s too early to say anything definitive yet, except that Gregg won’t be back.”
They continued: ‘Angela Hartnett is the ideal person they would love to put on the show, but it’s unclear if she would agree and would like to dedicate time to her.
Greg Wallace on ‘Loose Women’ TV show, London, UK – June 19, 2023
John Torode on ‘This Morning’ TV show, London, UK – 15 October 2024
John Torode and Gregg Wallace John Torode and Gregg Wallace at the ‘Masterchef’ studios, London, Great Britain
‘They want to have a presenter who is a real professional chef. The other person, the ‘Gregg’ if you will, could be Andi Oliver or Grace Dent. They really like Grace Dent.
‘I think some people also like Tom Allen and (chef) Matt Tebbutt. It won’t be Jay Rayner. It is “too strong meat” for the people.
The source added that Wallace believes Torode would be happy for his wife, actress Lisa Faulkner and previous Celebrity MasterChef winner, to present the show with him. It is believed that this is what prompted him to stop following them on social media. However, I have been told that a “nepotistic” hiring of Torode’s wife does not seem to the bosses to be the best solution to the current crisis.
Wallace announced this week that he will be “stepping away” from the show amid numerous allegations of inappropriate behavior.
New plugin unmasked
Following the news in these pages last week that HBO will cast much younger actors to play adults in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, the Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Paapa Essiedu, 34, is in the frame to play Master Severus Snape.
The late Alan Rickman (pictured) took on the role in the films. Both men began their careers as actors on stage; both with the RSC.
Following the news in these pages last week that HBO will cast much younger actors to play adults in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, the Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Paapa Essiedu, 34, is in the frame to play Master Severus Snape.
As mentioned last week, Mark Rylance is said to be circling the role of Dumbledore, who was played by Richard Harris and then Michael Gambon in the films.
The television series will be told in ten parts, over a decade, and will be a ‘faithful’ adaptation of the books. An HBO spokesperson said: “We will only confirm details when we finalize the agreements.”