An I’m A Celebrity star and food critic is set to be announced as Gregg Wallace’s Masterchef replacement by the BBC next week after allegations of inappropriate behaviour
I’m A Celeb star and renowned food critic Grace Dent is reportedly set to take over Gregg Wallace ‘s spot on MasterChef.
The 51 year old telly favourite, who’s no stranger to the show with her regular guest judge appearances, is tipped to join forces with John Torode, 59, creating a fresh presenting pair.
The news follows after Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, initiated an investigation last month following allegations from several women accusing TV judge Gregg of inappropriate behaviour.
A source inside the TV industry said: “Grace is the perfect choice to replace Gregg on MasterChef.”
They added: “She’s knowledgeable about food and opinionated, plus it’s great to have a woman as a judge on the show. It will shake things up and give the series the boost it needs after such an upsetting and uncertain time.
“She is already a fan favourite and has won lots of respect in the foodie world thanks to her no-nonsense style and sense of humour.”
Grace, who’s made her mark as a food critic, has been venturing more into mainstream TV and even had a stint on I’m A Celeb last year. However, she exited the jungle show after nine days due to “medical grounds.”
It comes after Gregg Wallace posted a video where he blamed “middle-class women of a certain age” for complaining about in inappropriate behaviour earlier this month.
John Torode, who’s been co-hosting MasterChef with Gregg since 2005, spoke candidly about Gregg’s behaviour.
He said: “The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear, and I have found the recent press reports truly upsetting.
“But as I hope everyone appreciates there is an investigation underway, which I fully support, so I cannot make any further comment at this stage.
“I hope that you all understand and respect my silence on the matter moving forward.”
According to The Sun, complaints about Wallace’s antics had been sent to the BBC since 2014.
At Strictly Come Dancing, he was in hot water for sexual comments while teamed up with dance pro Aliona Vilani.
Celebrities have come forward to shed light on Gregg’s behaviour. Last month ex-Newsnight host Kirsty Wark and 13 other people came forward to say they had raised concerns.
Kirsty, 69, said she spoke to MasterChef after Wallace made “sexualised jokes” when she was on the show in 2011.
Other allegations include Wallace talking openly about his sex life, taking off his top in front of a junior staffer and telling another young colleague he was not wearing any pants.
Emma Kenny, the 2012 MasterChef winner, said she witnessed him touching another contestant and raised a complaint.
A spokeswoman for MasterChef declined to comment.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
