MasterChef fans are all cooking up their own fan-cast of who could host the show, amid reports that Tom Kerridge has bowed out of the job on account of a pay dispute.
The BBC cooking show has been beset with issues this summer, after a report into the programme upheld conduct complaints against both Gregg Wallace and John Torode, resulting in their dismissal.
Since then the programme has had the task of filling the empty judging spots, but even that hasn’t been plain sailing.
Filming for the next series – which will be the first in two decades not helmed by Wallace and Torode – is scheduled to begin imminently.
Yet West Country chef Tom Kerridge, 52, has reportedly dropped out of hosting duties alongside Grace Dent, 51, leaving the BBC once again scrambling for a replacement.
Well, fans of the BBC One show think they might have found the answer. Taking to the MasterChef UK Reddit thread, @ECrispy kicked off the debate over who would be the ideal host, throwing one half of the Hairy Bikers duo Si King and food reviewer Jay Rayner’s names in the hat.
‘You will not find a more relatable, likeable and charismatic bloke than Si, everyone loves him, and he knows food,’ the MasterChef fan wrote.
‘And Jay is by far the most respected and knowledgeable critic as well as being a fantastic cook himself, and will bring massive credibility.’
Fellow Redditors agreed with the possible suggestions, with @WorriedStand73 writing: ‘If MasterChef isn’t cancelled Si King has to be the new presenter. Not sure who could join him and with Dave passing that could be an issue.
‘Si encapsulates everything I like in a cooking show, he’s warm, friendly and seems to love food.’
@CaptainBristol added: ‘Si King & keep Grace Dent. Perfect mix.’
Why has Tom Kerridge ‘dropped out’ of MasterChef?
A TV source told The Sun that Tom Kerridge and Grace Dent had signed a one-year deal to host the show.
However, they have also reported that in the last fortnight, the show has had a ‘dispute’ with Kerridge over his pay.
The source told the publication: ‘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.’
Another name that MasterChef fans suggested was Irish chef Anna Haugh, who stepped in to Wallace’s spot for the final episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals, when accusations against him first emerged last Christmas.
@RedRabbit1612 wrote: ‘For what it’s worth, I think Anna Haugh would be an excellent MasterChef presenter: professional chef; polished presenter; personable.’
StrongCelery echoed: ‘Anna Haugh was excellent, if she is willing she would be a very safe pair of hands.’
MasterChef is contracted to air on the BBC until at least 2028. The final series featuring Wallace and Torode is currently airing after a period of back-and-forth over whether it should be broadcast at all.
MasterChef series 21 continues on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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