MasterChef star Gregg Wallace is facing several allegations of “inappropriate” behaviour — including “talking openly about his sex life” and telling a junior female colleague he was “not wearing any boxer shorts”.
The presenter stepped down from his role on MasterChef amid the allegations, and the BBC promised a full investigation.
MasterChef producers said on November 30 they had appointed a "rigorous" law firm — Lewis Silkin — to lead the investigation into the 60-year-old’s alleged misconduct.
A Banijay UK production company representative said Wallace was “committed to fully co-operating throughout the process”.
Wallace's lawyers have said it is entirely false to suggest he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.
Meanwhile, Wallace’s co-host, John Torode, has insisted he “loves being part of' the programme and “will continue to be a part of it”.
But who could replace Wallace? Here are the bookmakers’ favourites.
James Martin
Odds: 5/2
The favourite is James Martin. The former Saturday Kitchen presenter, 52, has bookmakers’ odds of 5/2 and is a familiar sight in TV kitchens, after appearing on Junior Bake Off and This Morning.
Lisa Faulkner
3/1
Who better to join Torode on the MasterChef judging team than his wife? Actress and cookery expert Lisa Faulkner, 52, met her future husband when she was a contestant on the 2010 season of Celebrity MasterChef, which she won.
The couple present John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen on ITV and have published a cookery book together, inspired by the Sunday morning show.
Grace Dent
5/1
Food writer Grace Dent is no stranger to the MasterChef kitchen and her love of the show has got fans talking about whether she could be the perfect replacement.
The star is a regular critic on MasterChef, and last year appeared on MasterChef: Battle of the Critics. Appearing to shed tears of joy after the judges complimented her dish, a delighted Dent, 51, told the cameras: “I didn’t realise how emotional I was about it all until they said they liked my food at the end. It lifts all the pressure off you. I just felt lighter and giddy and certainly a little bit proud of myself.”
She recently also posted an Instagram video of her on the show, prompting talk of her chances of landing the presenter role.
Tom Kerridge
4/1
TV chef Tom Kerridge, 51, has previously been a judge on the Great British Menu and has also spoken about the Wallace scandal.
In an appearance on Sky News's Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge, he said: "I don't know anything about the allegations and I have no understanding of the story apart from there's allegations made and Gregg has said some things yesterday. And I know he's come out today again and apologised for the things he said yesterday. I've known Gregg for a long time.
"I've always known him as a high-energy person who's always got something to say that is fun and ongoing and I've enjoyed spending time when we film together with Gregg. He's always full of jokes, and he's always full of charisma. That front of the camera is always something that continues into the off-screen as well."
Nigella Lawson
4/1
The sultry cook, 64, is a stalwart of the TV kitchen. She has appeared on MasterChef Australia, which has led people to ask whether she would take up a more permanent role in the UK.
Snoop Dogg
Odds Unknown
The Drop It Like It’s Hot hitmaker threw his hat into the ring when he cited being a whizz in the kitchen and friends with Gordon Ramsay.
The American rapper, 53, is the ultimate wildcard option. He said the job could be the “perfect opportunity” for him to work on a UK show — something he’s “always” wanted.
The star, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, told the Mirror: “You better believe Snoop could be the new MasterChef judge.
“My boy Gordon judges on the US version of the show, and I know he would back me to be able to judge on the UK version.
“He knows I am not playing when it comes to food. He knows I can cook — I have even given him some tips.
“I hosted a cooking show over here (Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party) and I have always been vocal about wanting to work on a UK show. I love the place — and for real, this could be the perfect opportunity.”
Ainsley Harriott
Odds unknown
TV veteran Ainsley Harriott, 67, has also been touted as a possible replacement for Wallace. He is best known for hosting cooking shows such as Ainsley's Barbecue Bible and Ready Steady Cook.
However, the chef wasn’t enthusiastic when asked about his MasterChef prospects.
He said: “Judging food or judging anything is harder. But I’ve got kids — my daughter is 31 and she just turned around and said, It’s not for you, Dad, it’s for our generation. And it really is.
“You have to look at who’s coming forward. People talk about “woke this, woke that”. No, it’s now. It’s where we live. This is society. We live it, breathe it, live it, love it.
“And especially when you’ve got young grandchildren, you can see that’s the world they’re coming into. Protect it. Respect those people. I was there once, you know, 30 years ago, and it’s their time now. Let them develop. Let the world come alive.”
