MASTERCHEF has been plunged into chaos as the BBC try to replace Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
The Sun can reveal that chef Tom Kerridge, 52, had been lined up to host the next series alongside restaurant critic Grace Dent, 51.
Tom Kerridge had been lined up to host the next series alongside restaurant critic Grace Dent[/caption]
John Torode and Gregg Wallace were both axed as MasterChef hosts[/caption]
But despite staffers on MasterChef admitting they thought it was a “done deal”, insiders said Tom’s representatives had put the brakes on the deal.
A source said: “Tom and Grace are seen as a really safe pair of hands and the BBC thought they were the perfect fit for MasterChef.
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“Internally it’s been known for a long time that they’ll be presenting it together. People at the BBC and staff on MasterChef have all been talking about it.
“The proposed deal was a one-year term for both Tom and Grace.
“But in the last couple of weeks, there was a dispute over Tom’s contract and his pay.
“His team wants him to get more money and have put the brakes on.
“It’s a nightmare for MasterChef and the BBC because filming for the next series is due to start imminently.
“They need to get Tom locked down with Grace. But if he doesn’t get the deal he wants, they’ll be looking for a replacement.”
The Sun previously revealed how Saturday Kitchen star Matt Tebbutt was among favourites to step into the frame, along with chef Andi Oliver.
The Sun On Sunday first revealed Grace was in the frame for a job on the main series in July.
Prior to landing the hosting job, she was called in to host this year’s series of Celebrity MasterChef last year.
She has also appeared on MasterChef: The Professionals and was a judge on BBC Two’s Great British Menu.
Chef Tom started his career as a television actor when he was still at school but left the industry to attend culinary college in 2018.
After working in top restaurants, including Gary Rhodes’ Rhodes in the Square, Tom opened a pub, The Hand & Flowers, in 2005.
The boozer earned a Michelin star within a year. By 2012, it became the first pub in the country to be awarded a second Michelin star.
He went on to open more pubs but last month was forced to close The Butcher’s Tap & Grill in Chelsea due to rising costs and a decrease in demand.
BBC looking for replacements
Tom also has Kerridge’s Bar & Grill at the Corinthia Hotel, Whitehall, and Kerridge’s Fish & Chips at Harrods, Knightsbridge.
The BBC have been looking for replacements for Gregg and John, both 60, after they were sacked.
The pair – who had fronted MasterChef since 2005 – were axed after a formal investigation into Gregg’s conduct.
Gregg had a total of 45 out of 38 allegations against him substantiated.
Speaking to The Sun after his dismissal he said: “There never were any accusations of sexual harassment.
“I’m not a groper.
“People think I’m a sex pest. I am not.
“I am not sexist or a misogynist, or any of it.”
John was sacked for allegedly saying the N-word twice while working on the show.
He maintains he has no recollection using the word.
The Sun revealed last month that the BBC were pushing ahead with the last series of MasterChef which shows Gregg and John as hosts.
It was filmed before the probe into Gregg and John’s conduct on MasterChef.
The BBC defended their decision to air the series and said it was “the right thing to do” for the contestants who signed up to take part.
Chef Tom started his career as a television actor when he was still at school but left the industry to attend culinary college in 2018[/caption]
The Sun On Sunday first revealed Grace was in the frame for a job on the main series in July[/caption]