SATURDAY Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt is being lined up to replace Gregg Wallace as a judge and host of MasterChef.
The chef and restaurateur is in advanced talks with the BBC One show’s producers and may also be in the running to host spin-off series MasterChef: The Professionals.
Former Masterchef judge Gregg Wallace (pictured with co-host John Torode, left) announced he was stepping down from the BBC show in November[/caption]
Saturday Kitchen star Matt Tebbutt is being lined up to replace Wallace on the BBC one show[/caption]
Beeb Saturday morning star Tebbutt, 51, is set to step into the role alongside remaining judge Jon Torode.
It comes after Wallace announced in November he was stepping away from the job following multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour against him.
A TV insider 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, and the show producers Banijay, will be hoping he can work the same magic on MasterChef.
“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.”
Food critic and writer Grace Dent has been standing in for Wallace as a judge on Celebrity MasterChef and it remains to be seen if she will continue in that role.
Father-of-two Matt has spent most of his life in South Wales where he had a restaurant, before giving it up to pursue his TV career.
He trained at Leiths School of Food and Wine, set up by Bake Off judge Prue Leith, and has worked in a string of top restaurants.
He was first seen on TV in Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped in 2012, and later took on the role of Saturday Kitchen host after filling in for Martin.
His representatives and production firm Banijay were approached for comment.
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