GREGG Wallace’s top telly rival is “pulling ahead” in the race to replace him on MasterChef.
The former greengrocer has quit as co-host of the BBC show as he is investigated for a barrage of off-screen misconduct complaints.
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Gregg has been accused of making sexual remarks to 13 TV colleagues including Beeb anchor Kirsty Wark – accusations he denies.
Yet the 60-year-old has now stepped away from the long-running show while historical misconduct allegations against him are investigated.
And with him taking the leave, fellow TV chef James Martin, 52, is a shoo-in to replace him in the role, according to bookies.
The fan favourite Yorkshireman is a staple on ITV series James Martin’s Saturday Morning after previously fronting Saturday Kitchen on the BBC.
Now it’s claimed his “impressive” career could see him replace Gregg, and front MasterChef alongside John Torode, 59.
Bookies BetFred have priced him as favourite, with odds of 5/2 to replace Gregg.
Yet John’s wife Lisa Faulkner is in the frame with odds of 3/1, Nigella Lawson at 4/1 and Gino D’Acampo at 5/1.
Betfred spokesperson Kayley Cornelius said: “With Gregg Wallace unlikely to return to MasterChef, the big question is who might step into his shoes.
“At the moment, TV chef James Martin is the bookies’ favourite to take over as the new face of the iconic series, with odds of 5/2.
“With experience hosting Saturday Kitchen and regularly appearing on This Morning, a prime-time show could be the perfect next step in James’s already impressive career.”
Before the scandal hit, Gregg told of his plans to “scale back” his MasterChef duties – but said
FAN FAVE
BBC One star Gregg joined the show in 2005 and also featured on the panel of MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef.
Yet the former greengrocer sparked anger as he spoke out on social media this weekend and blasted the “women of a certain age” who had put in complaints against him.
He then issued an apology and said he would “take time out” amid the probe.
Recently, MasterChef’s regular stand in Grace Dent appeared to take a swipe at the star – as fans begged her to replace him.
Gregg Wallace – MasterChef scandal in Brief
GREGG Wallace has stepped down from his MasterChef hosting role after a probe into alleged inappropriate behaviour. But what’s the situation?
Regular MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is currently the subject of a probe after an investigation was launched into his alleged misconduct over a number of years.
Gregg has been accused of making sexual remarks to 13 colleagues including Beeb anchor Kirsty Wark – accusations he denies.
The 60-year-old has now stepped away from the BBC show while historical misconduct allegations against him are investigated.
Yet the former greengrocer spoke out on social media to blast the “women of a certain age” who he claimed were behind the allegations.
The cooking show’s production company, Banijay UK, has said law firm Lewis Silkin would lead the investigation into Wallace’s alleged misconduct.
STATE OF PLAY
MasterChef’s production company, Banijay UK, has said law firm Lewis Silkin would lead the investigation into Wallace’s alleged misconduct.
They also confirmed Gregg will be “stepping away” from MasterChef.
It 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.
“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.
“Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions.”
Gregg – married to Anne-Marie Sterpini — hit back, claiming: “The allegations were investigated six years ago and my comments were found to be not sexual. I repeat, not sexual. Thank you everybody for your time.”
Last year, he stepped down from another BBC show, Inside The Factory, amid allegations he was “rude to staff and continued to talk in a derogatory manner, especially to women.”
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