MasterChef bosses 'in talks' with huge star for new host role alongside Grace Dent

Acclaimed hotelier and restaurateur Robert Walton is reportedly in the running to become one of the two new hosts of MasterChef, following the shock departures of Gregg Wallace and John Torode.

The BBC is seeking a new male‑female presenting partnership for its flagship cooking competition. While Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt was initially considered the frontrunner, it has been reported that Walton, 69, is now “in talks” for the role.

Walton, often referred to as “the godfather of hospitality”, has decades of experience in the food and hotel industry and is a prominent supporter of emerging culinary talent. It comes after John Torode was spotted looking tired on stroll after wife Lisa broke her silence on his MasterChef exit.

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Sources suggest he could be paired with food critic Grace Dent, who recently co‑hosted Celebrity MasterChef during Wallace’s suspension.

“Robert is in talks for being appointed the MasterChef judge position with Dent,” a source told Mail Online. "He is a wild card but the most qualified for the job. They like the idea of Robert and Grace together.

"They are playing around with pairs, and they are looking for credibility. It would make a refreshing change to have someone who is an authority on food and hospitality, who is highly decorated and respected, judging for MasterChef.”

Dent, known for her restaurant reviews and appearances on various food programmes, stepped in alongside other guest judges last year.

Her experience in food writing and television could complement Walton’s industry expertise if the BBC proceeds with the pairing.

The search for new MasterChef hosts comes after the long‑time duo Wallace and Torode were dropped from the programme. The BBC has yet to confirm who will replace them.

Viewers will tune in to two new hosts when the BBC show makes a comeback. And it's reported the new presenters of the BBC cooking show have already been decided.

According to reports Matt Tebbutt, 51, could join forces with Great British Menu star Andi Oliver, 62, to become the new faces of the long-running contest.

It's thought the pair could be part of a "dream line-up" on the series, with the duo featuring alongside Grace Dent for the celebrity version.

A source recently told the Sun: "Matt is seen as a really safe pair of hands by the BBC. He has been in the frame for some time and is now being lined up for MasterChef."

They added: "The BBC are keen to bring Andi Oliver on board too. She has been so popular as host of the Great British Menu."

No final decision has been announced, and the BBC has not commented publicly on the speculation.

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