John Torode has shared positive remarks about filming MasterChef with his new co-host Grace Dent following Gregg Wallace’s exit amid misconduct allegations.
Speaking recently, the 59-year-old chef expressed enthusiasm about the show’s future despite the scandal it had been embroiled in last year.
Wallace stepped away from his role last year after facing accusations of inappropriate behaviour on set, which he and his lawyers have fiercely denied.
The scandal led to Christmas specials being pulled, though MasterChef: The Professionals continued to air.
Celebrity MasterChef judge John Torode starred alongside Gregg Wallace since it launched in 2005
BBC
It was confirmed that food critic Grace Dent would replace Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef this year, with filming of the new series already underway.
A replacement for Wallace on the regular MasterChef series has yet to be announced.
Torode told The Mail: “We’ve been filming MasterChef, which has been great and that’s been brilliant.”
“We’ve moved to Birmingham and me and Grace are having a wonderful time. She’s doing a great job. So, it’s onwards and upwards,” he added.
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Former MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has faced several allegationsGetty
When asked about maintaining optimism after the scandal, Torode shared a philosophical perspective.
“The thing is that if you walk outside and the sun’s shining, the sky is blue, and you can hear a bird,” he said, concluding: “You’re still alive, so that’s a really good perspective to have.”
His upbeat comments suggest the show is moving forward positively despite the controversy surrounding Wallace’s departure.
Both Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner have publicly supported Dent in her new role.
The scandal erupted last year when Wallace faced allegations of groping three people in separate incidents.
He was also accused of making “inappropriate sexual jokes,” asking for phone numbers of female staff members, and undressing in front of women working on his shows.
More than 13 people across various shows over a 17-year period reportedly made complaints.
Wallace initially responded to accusations by claiming they came from “middle-class women of a certain age”.
This comment sparked backlash from public figures including Lorraine Kelly and Sir Keir Starmer.
He later apologised, saying: “I wasn’t in a good head space when I posted it. I’ve been under a huge amount of stress.”
Wallace’s lawyers have vehemently denied any accusations of sexual harassment, stating it is “entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.
Grace Dent replaced Gregg Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef
BBC
Wallace has since returned to social media after a months-long break.
He claims he “needs space to heal and to be with the people who know who I really am”.
When Dent’s appointment was announced, Torode praised her expertise: “I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.”
“Expertise is what MasterChef is all about, from the contestants to our wonderful production team, to us as judges,” he continued.
Torode had previously issued a statement regarding the allegations against Wallace, emphasising his commitment to the show.
“I love my job, and I love MasterChef. I love being part of it and will continue to be part of it,” he said.
Speculation about Wallace’s replacement on the regular series includes Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt.
A source told The Sun that producers hope Tebbutt could “work the same magic on MasterChef” as he did when replacing James Martin.
