EXCLUSIVE: MasterChef might be set for a judging shake-up.
Grace Dent and Anna Haugh are the 2026 judges (Picture: BBC)
MasterChef might be set for a judging shake-up simply days after the 2026 ultimate aired on BBC1. Grace Dent and Anna Haugh changed Gregg Wallace and John Torode because the faces of the hit cooking sequence, after the BBC upheld over 40 allegations over Wallace’s conduct and sacked him from the position. In the meantime, Torode was accused of utilizing a racial slur and in addition left the present. He denied any recollection of the incident.
Robert Walton MBE, a famend restaurateur and chairman of the World Younger Chef Younger Waiter Younger Mixologist, an esteemed competitors the place younger expertise battle it out to be named finest of their business, was mentioned to be “in talks” with MasterChef bosses to seem as a choose within the 2026 sequence.
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However an insider has hinted the door remains to be open for him to take a task within the subsequent season of the present, telling Categorical.co.uk: “The BBC determined to go along with two feminine presenters within the wake of what occurred with Gregg and John. However talks went effectively with Robert, and he’s undoubtedly nonetheless within the combine, ought to there be any adjustments to the line-up down the road.
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“He’s very enthusiastic about serving to younger cooks get alternatives within the business, and he loves that the present provides them a much-needed platform to indicate off their expertise.
“However he’s additionally a really busy man, and whereas MasterChef can be an incredible mission to work on, he’s additionally trying to share an inside look into youthful cooks beginning out.”
Walton has been within the hospitality business since he was 19, opening his first restaurant, Petit Village, aged 19. He was awarded an MBE in 2007 for his providers and is named the “godfather of hospitality”, figuring out lots of the UK’s prime cooks.
On the time, bosses have been mentioned to be contemplating placing Robert along with Grace, with a supply telling Each day Mail’s Eden Confidential that he was “probably the most certified for the job”.
They added: “They like the concept of Robert and Grace collectively. They’re enjoying round with pairs, and they’re on the lookout for credibility.
“It might make a refreshing change to have somebody who’s an authority on meals and hospitality, who is very embellished and revered, judging for MasterChef.”
The MasterChef 2026 ultimate aired on Friday, June fifth, with chef Jhane Gibson being topped the winner after going head-to-head with fellow finalists Kristen and Matt within the final kitchen battle.
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