Gregg Wallace has stepped away from his long-running role on MasterChef while the BBC investigates historical allegations of misconduct – but who could replace him alongside John Torode?

The star is best known for his role as a judge alongside John Torode on MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals. Since 2005, he has been a judge on the cooking show. The BBC received complaints in relation to historical allegations of misconduct, with the broadcaster saying that it takes issues raised as "seriously", with MasterChef production company Banijay confirming: "While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process."

MasterChef: The Professionals is currently airing its pre-recorded series on BBC One, which is expected to continue as normal, but if the investigation continues through the filming period for any new series in the franchise, Torode could be looking for a new kitchen co-star, at least temporarily. So, who could replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef?

The investigation into historic allegations about Wallace has only just been announced, but already some clear favourites to temporarily replace him have been suggested. According to bookies TG Casino, the latest odds for a MasterChef stand-in are:

  • Gordon Ramsay - 5/1
  • Gino D'Acampo (pic) - 6/1
  • Gary Lineker - 8/1
  • Tim Lovejoy - 8/1
  • Fred Sirieix - 10/1
  • Nadiya Hussain - 10/1
  • Matt Lucas - 12/1
  • BAR - 14/1

Outspoken chef Gordon Ramsay has been a TV favourite for years thanks to his series including Kitchen Nightmares but might not strike the right note with viewers who prefer to see amateurs being encouraged in their culinary dreams. Gino D'Acampo would also bring plenty of fans but is more often seen over at rival ITV where he is a regular guest at This Morning and presents foodie travelogues with Ramsay and Fred Sirieix.

Meanwhile, First Dates star Sirieix is popular across the channels and recently worked as an Olympic commentator for the BBC in Paris, where his daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix won bronze in the synchronised diving. Gary Lineker will have more time on his hands when he quits Match of the Day but is unlikely to want to tie up his time in another demanding presenting role so soon.

Meanwhile, Tim Lovejoy is a popular food presenter but is more usually seen at Channel 4 for Sunday Brunch. Nadiya Hussain has carved out a successful broadcasting career since her 2015 Bake Off win and has presented cooking series for the BBC, while comedian Matt Lucas branched out into the kitchen during his time hosting Bake Off. Pro chef Monica Galetti has been a hugely popular host and judge with viewers for more than a decade, striking up a good rapport with contestants.

She took a brief break in 2022 to focus on her restaurant team and family after a tough time coming back from Covid lockdowns but was welcomed back to the MasterChef kitchen in 2023. Galetti also presents Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby.

MasterChef bosses could also look to renowned chef and Professionals judge Marcus Wareing as a stand-in for Wallace. He already knows the format, having worked on the pro version of the show since 2014, and his culinary knowledge is second to none.

When Galetti stepped back from her MasterChef role, she was replaced by chef Anna Haugh for The Professionals. Could Haugh get another turn in the MasterChef kitchen? She wouldn't need training up, having done the job before, and already knows some of Wallace's co-stars.

Speaking of her love for the show when she temporarily replaced Galetti, Haugh said: "MasterChef has an impeccable reputation and legacy within the hospitality industry.

“I have long admired Monica as an incredible chef and she’s paved the way for female chefs. It’s a privilege to be keeping her seat warm in the MasterChef kitchen."

Actor Lisa Faulkner had a career pivot into the kitchen after winning Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, and even went on to marry judge Torode in 2019 after meeting him on the show. Together, Faulkner and Torode have launched successful cooking show John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen so they have proved their chemistry on screen as well as off screen.

As a former celebrity contestant, Faulkner also knows something of what the competitors will be going through - could she be the perfect choice of new presenter? Strictly Come Dancing pro Vito Coppola's star is certainly on the rise at the BBC – he's the reigning champion of the dance floor, is looking to repeat his 2023 Strictly win with 2024 partner Sarah Hadland, and earlier this year was crowned Celebrity MasterChef winner.

Coppola's enthusiasm on screen and knowledge of Italian food could see him on the shortlist as stand-in presenter. Amongst MasterChef's contacts book of trusted food experts is writer and reviewer Grace Dent, who usually makes an appearance or two each series as a guest judge.

Dent branched out last year into further primetime entertainment as an I'm A Celebrity campmate, and although her jungle stay was short-lived, she proved she is a big enough name to take on a greater screen role.

One of the MasterChef family's favourite guest judges is Jay Rayner, a restaurant reviewer, food writer and BBC Radio 4 presenter. Rayner is a trusted voice of wisdom on all things food and isn't shy in delivering his opinions, so he may be a popular choice to replace Wallace.

It's been 14 years since Dhruv Baker changed his life by winning MasterChef 2010, but he has stayed in close contact with the show since then. Torode and Wallace have both spoken about having become good friends with Baker since his time on the show so the rapport with Torode is already there, while Baker understands what it's like for contestants to be on the other side of the kitchen counter.

A statement from the show’s production company Banijay UK to the PA news agency said: "This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.

"Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process."

The BBC has confirmed the news saying: "We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.

"We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated. Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company, we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them."

So far, Wallace has not commented publicly but Yahoo has reached out to his representatives for comment.