How much Gregg Wallace and John Torode got paid for Masterchef despite axe

Wales Online

06-08-2025

How much Gregg Wallace and John Torode got paid for Masterchef despite axe
One of the stars has a staggering net worth compared top the other
The pair have been hosting the show together since 2005.
(Image: Getty)
BBC's MasterChef returns tonight, August 6, with Gregg Wallace and John Torode at the helm. Despite recent controversies the BBC made it clear that the upcoming series will still air after confirming that the new series of MasterChef was recorded before the dismissal of the long-time presenters due to numerous allegations.
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The co-hosts joined the MasterChef team in 2005 when the show underwent a revamp. Ultimately, the new format was a hit and by 2011 MasterChef was being aired in over 25 countries. In that time both presenters have made a name themselves in the culinary world and are expected to have made an impressive wealth from their TV careers.
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So, how much do the co-hosts get paid to be on the well-loved amateur cooking show? For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
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Ever year a list is released of BBC stars' salaries, however this year's list does not include the pay packets of Gregg Wallace and John Torode. The corporation discloses the names and earnings of its employees who earn above a certain threshold (£178,000) each year.
This is because many of the BBC's stars are not directly employed by the broadcaster but are contracted through various production companies, and as a result these individuals do not appear on the salary list.
One such company is Banijay, which produces MasterChef and previously employed and paid presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode before their dismissals
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Both co-hosts, have been with Banijay for years as the successful presenters of the BBC cooking show.
Their salaries were never disclosed, but Gregg was reportedly earning £400,000 according to The Sun last year.
However, this sum might encompass other MasterChef-related work, such as endorsements or additional appearances. It's worth mentioning that he also generates income from other endeavours, like his event appearances, but the precise figures aren't publicly disclosed.
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Meanwhile, John is believed to be worth an eye-watering £8 million, courtesy of his television work, culinary career and restaurant ventures.
Throughout his career, he has accumulated substantial wealth, with his net worth estimated at approximately £8 million, primarily stemming from his flourishing career as a chef and television personality. Nevertheless, his restaurant enterprises have proved equally profitable.
Venues he launched in London during 2009 brought in close to £10 million in revenue before he disposed of them to focus on different ventures. Beyond his television and restaurant endeavours, he has penned multiple cookbooks which have achieved impressive sales figures throughout the years.
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John Torode and Gregg Wallace have both been dismissed MasterChef
(Image: BBC)
Following the investigations in to his misconduct, Gregg is reportedly set to take a financial hit as he may have to return half of his Masterchef earnings.
Based solely on the £400,000, the taxman will be claiming a substantial amount from Wallace, leaving him with just over half of his earnings. According to a tax calculator, the 60 year old would have to pay £166,113.05 in tax and £10,010.60 in National Insurance, leaving him with just £223,786.35 going into his bank account.
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Despite being a high earner, it's reported that Wallace borrowed £70,000 last year to finance his fitness venture, the ShowMe.Fit app. He was inspired by Joe Wicks and his popular Body Coach app before launching the company in 2020.
The most recent accounts for last year reveal that the company made a modest profit of £60,000 for the 12 months up to the end of February last year, despite having to borrow money as well, reports the Express.
In 1989, he launched George Allan's Greengrocers, which also boasted a turnover of £7.5 million at its height, as per the Personally Speaking Bureau. According to Celeb Worth, Gregg's overall net worth is an impressive £3.5 million.
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Regrettably for Wallace, his financial stability could be on shaky ground following allegations of inappropriate behaviour. After a comprehensive nine-month investigation, the TV chef has been dismissed from MasterChef.
This development follows numerous misconduct allegations as over 50 individuals lodged complaints about his behaviour, all of which Gregg has refuted.
In November 2024, 13 individuals initially accused him of making unsuitable sexual comments, but BBC News have reported receiving 50 additional complaints from individuals who claim they encountered him across various shows and environments.
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The majority allege he made unsuitable sexual comments, while 11 women accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching, allegations that Wallace categorically denies.