MasterChef Replacement Tom Kerridge Pulls Out Days Before Filming

MasterChef is facing significant upheaval after longtime hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode were sacked following investigations into numerous complaints against them, including allegations of inappropriate behavior and racist language. The BBC had planned for chef Tom Kerridge and food critic Grace Dent to replace them, with Dent already stepping in for Wallace in Celebrity MasterChef. However, Kerridge reportedly pulled out just days before filming was set to begin due to a dispute over his contract and pay, causing major disruption for the show's production. Sources describe the situation as an "absolute nightmare" for the BBC, which may now have to find another replacement quickly to avoid delays. The BBC defended its handling of the complaints, emphasizing swift action, but the uncertainty around the new hosts continues to cast a shadow over the upcoming series. Meanwhile, other potential replacements such as Matt Tebbutt and Andi Oliver have been mentioned as possible candidates should Kerridge not rejoin the show.