MasterChef viewers notice one thing about John Torode and Gregg Wallace in show's return

Wales Online

3 hours ago

MasterChef viewers notice one thing about John Torode and Gregg Wallace in show's return
MasterChef is back on our screens with John Torode and Gregg Wallace at the helm, but a body language expert noticed something quite specific in the first episode
John Torode and Gregg Wallace
(Image: BBC)
Gregg Wallace and John Torode displayed a lack of 'on-screen chemistry' during the opening episode of MasterChef since the presenters were removed from the programme, according to a body language expert. MasterChef makes its return to television tonight following numerous weeks of controversy surrounding Torode and Wallace.
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Wallace was removed from the series after legal firm Lewis Silkin supported 45 out of 85 complaints made against him regarding inappropriate conduct. Whilst the 60-year-old has acknowledged using unsuitable language on occasions, he refutes the more severe accusations.
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Meanwhile, co-presenter Torode did not have his contract renewed with Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, following allegations that he employed racist language during an inquiry into his former colleague's conduct, reports the Mirror. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
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He maintained he had no recollection of making such remarks and denies the incident occurred. This follows reports that Gregg Wallace is attempting to 'earn a living' following his MasterChef departure amid a 'battle every day'.
With MasterChef returning to our screens, body language specialist Judi James examined the 'spatial distance' between the pair.
She tells us: "Torode and Wallace are not really presented as a double act here, more like two experts with little in the way of close communication or synchronicity.
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"Gregg is clearly the bigger character on screen, throwing his arms open and bending his knees to welcome the competitors while John stands quietly with his hands clasped in front of his torso.
"Gregg seems to be the one interviewing the contestants in a chatty, animated style while they cook, while John is shown as a more serious-looking presence with little if anything in the way of show-boating."
Judi went on: "Nothing seems to hinge on any on-screen chemistry between the stars and any interaction there is seems to be either shot with a spatial distance at a table or in the style of one commenting solo to the camera while the other is filmed doing the reaction shots.
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"Most of their screen time seems to be doing individual pieces to camera. There's no telling connection like playfulness or even eye contact with each other. This seems to be ostensibly like two professional experts doing their own thing on the same programme."
The BBC faced criticism for their choice to broadcast this new series featuring both Gregg and John. They released a statement, which said: "After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August.
"MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.
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"This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances, and we appreciate that not everyone will agree with it. In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.
"However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series."