MasterChef is on the lookout for new judges after both Gregg Wallace and John Torode were axed by the long-running BBC series. The duo were dropped after internal investigations.
The pair had been judges on the show since it was revived in 2005 , but it was announced on Wednesday July 15) that complaints against both had been upheld by the BBC. Wallace faced accusations of sexual harassment, while Torode was sacked after an allegation that he used “an extremely racist term” was upheld, BBC News reported.
Grace Dent had previously been announced as stepping in for Wallace on the 2025 series of Celebrity MasterChef. However now the Beeb are looking for two judges and plenty of major names have been rumoured.
A new series of MasterChef starts tonight (August 6) on BBC One at 8pm, featuring John and Gregg. The Beeb explained the decision to air the episodes here.
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A couple of frontrunners have emerged according to the bookies and the latest odds feature some very high profile celebrity chefs and presenters. The list of favourites, via Gambling.com, looks like this:
9. Grace Dent - 11/10
Food critic Grace Dent has regularly appeared on MasterChef over the years - casting her eyes over the hopefuls looking to make it to the second round of the competition. You may also know her from her podcast Comfort Eating and a brief stint on I’m a Celebrity in 2023. She replaced Gregg Wallace as a judge on Celebrity MasterChef this year and Grace is now 11/10 to become a full-time MasterChef judge via Gambling.com. | Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
10. Andi Oliver - Evens
Chef and presenter Andi Oliver (R) is one of the frontrunners to join MasterChef, at least according to the bookies. She has been both a judge and host on Great British Menu over the years. Andi is Evens to join MasterChef as a judge via Gambling.com. | Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images Photo: Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images
11. Matt Tebbutt - 10/11
Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt is the latest frontrunner to take over MasterChef. He has been installed as the favourite by the bookies and has odds of 10/11 via Gambling.com. Matt replaced James Martin as host of the BBC weekend food show after his departure but could he be heading to MasterChef in the near future? | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images