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Metro
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
MasterChef has missed a trick with its 'safe choice' new hosts
Gregg Wallace and John Torode have barely been kicked out of the kitchen, and already MasterChef has reportedly found their replacements. As you're surely aware by now, the MasterChef presenters were both sacked last week following an independent review, sparked by misconduct accusations against Wallace. After 45 of the 83 complaints against Wallace were upheld, he was swiftly dropped. The BBC has confirmed it has no plans to work with Wallace again. Hours later, Torode admitted he'd been accused of using racist language (the specific allegations are that he used the N-word). He stressed that he had 'no recollection of the incident', which is concerning in itself. Typically, when a double act has presented a show together for 20 years, I'd say those are hard shoes to fill. Strangely, though, Wallace and Torode had no chemistry. I always found them quite unlikeable – even Torode admitted he and Wallace weren't friends. Great news, then, for whoever takes the reins going forward. It's a safe bet they'll steer MasterChef in an exciting new direction – one that will no doubt be a vast improvement. According to The Sun, MasterChef could, understandably, be playing it safe with Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt and Great British Menu presenter Andi Oliver stepping up to take the vacant positions. It wasn't my first choice. Last week, I wrote that food critics and MasterChef stalwarts Grace Dent and Jay Rayner would make the perfect replacements for Torode and Wallace. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video They're superbly witty, charming, and would give MasterChef everything it's been missing for 20 years — a laugh. But I'm not against Matt and Andi at all – far from it. I think they'd make a great team. Matt is the safest pair of hands imaginable; his popularity on Saturday Kitchen is pretty much guaranteed proof that he's a hit with viewers. He'll either bring in a new audience or, at the very least, retain the one already there. I get it. Andi, meanwhile, is one of the best – if not the best – chefs and presenters we have. She brings effortless warmth and maternal energy to everything she does. She's so talented, I find it unbearable that I can't reach into the television and grab a handful of whatever she's cooking. She'll bring a high energy to MasterChef that it's been starved of. She may be an obvious signing – but it's also a stroke of genius. Given the current state of MasterChef, now threatened by the alleged grotesque behaviour of two men, it isn't just a relief to hear it will be getting a feminine touch – it's vital. But why stop there? When there are so few shows led by a pair or team of women, this would have been the perfect opportunity to break the mould – with the two women I genuinely believe are best for the job. I still stand by Grace. She's already replaced Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef, which she filmed with Torode – but now that he's followed his co-host out the door too, who knows if we'll see that series? Either way, I have total faith that Grace will have been excellent in it. Of course, Grace shouldn't get the job because she's a woman. That's not how television works – clearly – nor many other industries. But Grace and Andi together wouldn't just have made a powerful statement by replacing Wallace and Torode with two women of a 'certain age' – they would have made a refreshing and brilliant new pairing. Aside from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, I can't think of another female duo who were paired together, rather than climbed the ranks as a double act like Mel and Sue or French and Saunders. It just doesn't happen. Teams of male presenters? Can't get enough of them. They're everywhere and always have been — Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May; Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy on Sunday Brunch; Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding, who didn't work but somehow still lasted longer than they should have. MasterChef is one of the BBC's biggest shows, and I wouldn't suggest bringing in new presenters just to make a statement. They have to be the right fit for the show and its audience. But I'll be really disappointed not to see Grace on that line-up alongside Andi. They could have been an unexpected but wonderful new direction for MasterChef. To stress: From what I've seen of Matt on Saturday Kitchen – which admittedly isn't loads, but enough to know he's perfectly pleasant and incredibly charming – I have no doubt he'll be a great addition to MasterChef. More Trending I just think the BBC is missing a trick by not giving the job to Grace. No doubt she'll still pop up with the odd guest appearance as a food critic, sending contestants into a tailspin — but she's always been too punchy and fun to keep on the sidelines. She should be — and always should have been — a full serving. View More » Whoever ends up being named as the replacements for Torode and Wallace, rest assured: They'll turn up the heat in the MasterChef kitchen, and we'll be left with a much more palatable dish. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: The reaction to Ulrika Jonsson's face has made me terrified of ageing MORE: Charli XCX has made smoking cool again – I wish she hadn't MORE: Where did it all go wrong for MasterChef after BBC show's scandals?
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Morgan Wallen confronts being 'America's problem' in fiery concert
GLENDALE, Ariz. − As a grinning Morgan Wallen was escorted to the stage at State Farm Stadium by Randy Johnson of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, July 18, his latest album, 'I'm the Problem,' was still holding strong at No. 1 on Billboard's album chart. Of course, it's only been eight weeks. Wallen's previous album, 'One Thing at a Time,' spent 19 weeks at No. 1 − the most weeks any country act has ever spent on top, which followed the success of 'Dangerous,' a multi-platinum breakthrough Billboard named the most successful album of the century so far. By any reasonable metric, he's the most successful country artist of his generation, requiring a two-night stand at State Farm Stadium to meet demand for ticket sales. Morgan Wallen can't stop falling into fresh controversies But there's a reason he would choose to name his latest tour and album 'I'm the Problem.' It wasn't long after releasing 'Dangerous,' in early 2021, that TMZ released a video that showed the up-and-coming country star shouting the N-word at a carload of friends outside his Nashville home after a night of heavy drinking. Wallen's label suspended his contract. Spotify, SiriusXM, Pandora, Apple Music, CMT and the nation's most powerful radio chains pulled his music. Wallen did damage control as best he could: retreating from the spotlight; entering rehab; donating money to the Black Music Action Coalition and the National Museum of African American Music; urging fans not to defend him; apologizing for his actions. Then, in April 2024, he was arrested in Nashville, having thrown a chair off the roof of Eric Church's newly opened bar. Pleading guilty to reckless endangerment, he was sentenced in December 2024 to seven days in a DUI education center and two years of probation. Wallen's reputation took another hit in March in response to his hasty retreat from the set of 'Saturday Night Live,' posting an Instagram Story from his private plane with the caption, 'Get me to God's country.' And the records just kept selling as he leaned into his image as the complex kid who doesn't always do the right thing, often sabotaging his own dreams with impulsive behavior, which may just make him that much more relatable. From 'America's Problem' to 'not real country,' Morgan Wallen owns those negative headlines At his Arizona concert, the screen above the stage was filled with headlines taking the singer to task as 'America's Problem,' 'the elephant in the room,' a breaker of COVID-19 mask protocols, 'not real country' and more as Wallen brought his set to an incendiary close with 'I'm the Problem,' which isn't about the aforementioned problems so much as it is about the narrator's relationship with a certain Ms. Never Do No Wrong. By the time the song was through, he'd doused the runway with a liquid meant to look like gasoline and struck a match. It was beyond intense, brilliantly staged and cathartic, ending in a huge pyrotechnic display as Wallen left the stage, returning in a Randy Johnson baseball jersey for a three-song encore that ended with 'The Way I Talk,' a debut single that didn't necessarily set the charts on fire but remains a staple of his live show. Morgan Wallen's 2025 setlist favors 'I'm the Problem' The setlist clearly favored 'I'm the Problem,' hitting 13 of the album's 37 songs in the course of a 25-song set. Those selections included such obvious highlights as 'I Got Better,' 'Love Somebody,' the Post Malone collaboration 'I Had Some Help' (performed without Malone) and a heartwarming 'Superman,' in which a father tells his son, 'And when you ain't a kid no more, I hope you don't think less of me/ I try to hide my fallin' short, but you're gonna see.' Show opener Ella Langley returned to the stage for a duet on 'What I Want' from the new album, singing Tate McRae's part, and Miranda Lambert came back for a spirited version of 'Cowgirls,' one of five songs Wallen did from 'One Thing at a Time.' He's a commanding presence with a talent for putting the lyrics across in a way that's sure to resonate as the members of his six-piece backing band construct a richly textured wall of sound around him. Midway through the show, he strolled through the crowd to a satellite stage at the opposite end of the venue to perform an unplugged mini-set that featured three of his best vocals of the night: the Jason Isbell song 'Cover Me Up,' an emotional 'I'm a Little Crazy' (in which the title is followed by 'but the world's insane') and a mournful rendition of 'Sand in My Boots' with Wallen on piano, which remains an undisputed highlight of his concerts. Wallen did his best throughout to nurture the connection he's been building with his ever-growing fan base this whole time. Before unplugging, he talked about the early days of his career when 'we'd play pretty much anywhere they'd let us in the door' as they traveled the country in a little van while working their way up to where they are today, headlining stadiums. 'And one of the things that I miss a little bit about those smaller shows is I could go out on stage and I could look at everybody in the eyes pretty much and just have that connection,' he added. 'These days, it's a little bit more difficult to accomplish that, but this is my effort to kind of bridge that gap a little bit.' Morgan Wallen 2025 setlist: I'm the Problem tour songs These are the songs that made the setlist when Morgan Wallen brought his I'm the Problem tour to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona: B Stage Main Stage Encore
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
New MasterChef hosts 'confirmed' after Gregg Wallace axing
Torode was also fired after racial language accusations were levied against him. It was claimed that he used the "N-word" on two separate occasions while working at the broadcaster. New presenters 'confirmed' for MasterChef after Gregg Wallace and John Torode axing Now, it has been 'confirmed' that Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt is taking over one of the vacant positions after the axing of Gregg Wallace and John Torode. According to The Sun, BBC chef Andi Oliver, who currently stars in Great British Menu, is also joining him. A source told the publication: "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. "The BBC are keen to bring Andi Oliver on board too. She has been so popular as host of the Great British Menu. "They're not sure if she can commit at this stage because of her schedule with that show but everyone is hoping they can get her on board." The source added: "Everyone loves Andi and she would be perfect for the role in many ways. "She is very talented on her own merit but she would also help bring a more diverse look for the show, which is much needed. "The last thing the show wants is to be slapped with being 'pale, and stale' by a new generation of food lovers." Who are presenters Matt Tebbutt and Andi Oliver? According to IMDb, Matt Tebbutt is an actor and presenter who is known for starring in a number of shows like Saturday Kitchen and Food Unwrapped. The British chef and presenter often filled in for James Martin on Saturday Kitchen before becoming a regular face on the programme. Recommended Reading: He is also married to Lisa Tebbutt and has two children. Andi Oliver is also a British chef and presenter who has starred in a number of shows over her successful career, including Great British Menu, where she is a judge. She is also a radio presenter and former singer who has authored the book The Pepperpot Diaries: Stories From My Caribbean Table.
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
John Torode returns to TV for first time since MasterChef sacking
John Torode has appeared on TV for the first time since being axed from MasterChef. Just days ago, it was confirmed that Torode, who began hosting the BBC cookery programme in 2005, would not have his contract renewed. He had been accused of using racist language, a complaint upheld as part of a wider investigation commissioned by production company Banijay into allegations of sexual harassment by co-host Gregg Wallace. Torode is said to have made the remarks in 2018 or 2019, but maintains that he has 'no recollection of the incident'. Today, the TV chef was back on screens alongside his wife, Lisa Faulkner. Torode, 59, and Faulkner, 53, married in 2019, and together they host John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen. The Saturday morning show has been on air for nine series, and it sees Torode and Faulkner invite guests to prepare simple dishes and share tips. And while there was undeniably an elephant in the room during the latest episode, neither Torode nor Faulkner addressed recent events. Instead, opening their first show following Torode's racism scandal, his partner said: 'Hi there, we are so happy to see you in our Weekend Kitchen.' John added: 'We're gonna make your day even happier. 'How do you like the sound of stunning but simple recipes with just homemade ingredients?' As viewers watched along at home, reactions to ITV's decision to air Weekend Kitchen amid the drama were split, with @naked_auditor writing on X that the channel has 'shown an astonishing lack of judgement'. But speaking ahead of the episode going out at 11:40am today, an ITV insider claimed that it was still business as usual for them. 'I think we will keep going with the show,' said the source. 'We don't know the details of the BBC issue and have never had any trouble with him ourselves.' The source added: 'We obviously have our own complaints handling procedure and a code of conduct for talent at ITV. 'There have been no issues raised with John, so the series is set to continue to air.' On Monday night, it was confirmed that Torode was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin. It is currently unknown what Torode said that led to the Beeb letting him go, although there have been reports of him using the N-word previously. Meanwhile, BBC director-general Tim Davie had earlier condemned the term that the Australian-born presenter was alleged to have used this time. Details of the circumstances leading up to Torode's sacking revealed that the cook had nine complaints against him in total, including racist language, abusive language to junior production staff, and sexual language. Taking to his Instagram Story earlier in the week, Torode reiterated that he could not remember using a racist term, claiming to have learned from reading media reports about his 'sacking'. But he also acknowledged that 'it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else'. On Tuesday night, he penned: 'Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. 'The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. 'I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that [sic]'. Torode added that Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials, which he recently filmed, 'will be [his] last'. It remains to be seen whether they will make it to air. He went on: 'Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. 'I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been.' During an interview with BBC News earlier on Tuesday, Davie said he was not directly involved with the matter but was told of the recommendation to not renew Torode's contract and was 'happy that the team were taking action'. Asked exactly what Torode said, Davie replied: 'I'm not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly, it was a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape, or form.' As for Wallace, the 63-year-old also no longer has a future with the BBC. More Trending On Monday morning, the investigation findings were published, showing that 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated. This included one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact.' Wallace posted a statement after the probe's discoveries were released, saying he was 'deeply sorry for any distress caused', stating that 'none of the serious allegations against [him] were upheld'. MasterChef viewers still await an official announcement on who will replace the original hosts, who have had the gig for 20 years. With speculation rife, it has been said that Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt, 51, and Great British Menu host Andi Oliver, 62, are the frontrunners. A report by law firm Lewis Silkin found there were 27 substantiated claims against Wallace relating to alleged incidents during this period, most of which related to sexually explicit comments. One allegation of unwanted physical contact during this timeframe was also substantiated. The report found that when concerns were reported to the production company during this period, there was a failure to retain records of any action taken. The report found that 17 upheld allegations relate to this period. In 2015, the production company behind MasterChef investigated an allegation about Wallace's behaviour, but he was not made aware of the complaint. The following year, the production company merged with Endemol, and more formal policies, regular training, and anonymous reporting lines were introduced. The BBC intervened in response to a complaint in 2017, following which Wallace was warned of the need to change his behaviour. One substantiated complaint about an inappropriate comment fell into this period. Wallace faced allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over 17 years, BBC News reported. The TV star stepped away from presenting MasterChef while Banijay, the show's production company, announced that it was conducting an external review to 'fully and impartially investigate' the claims. BBC News said allegations include the presenter 'talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to "give her a fashion show", and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans'. The charity Ambitious About Autism said it had dropped Wallace as an ambassador, citing the 'recent allegations'. Banijay UK confirmed it appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. Wallace said in a video posted to Instagram that accusations about him making sexual comments towards staff and guests have come from 'middle-class women of a certain age'. Downing Street said Wallace's response to the accusations being made against him was 'inappropriate and misogynistic'. A spokesperson added that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy had held talks with BBC bosses in the wake of the Wallace row. Following the backlash, Wallace apologised for any 'offence' or 'upset' he caused with his remarks and said he would 'take some time out'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said politicians should be ready to put in place 'mechanisms' that would instil 'confidence' that women will be taken seriously in reports of inappropriate behaviour after a Labour MP asked him about 'women of a certain age', reflecting comments Wallace apologised for. MasterChef co-presenter John Torode said in a social media post that he 'loves being part of' the programme and 'will continue to be a part of it'. Wallace told the Daily Mail he 'thought about suicide all the time' after allegations of misconduct were made against him. Wallace was sacked as MasterChef presenter following the inquiry into his alleged misconduct by production company Banijay. BBC News said it had not seen the final review from Banijay but understood the presenter had been sacked. In an Instagram post, the former greengrocer claimed he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' ahead of the published review. He also said he recognised that some of his humour and language were inappropriate 'at times' and apologised for this. The report by law firm Lewis Silkin for Banijay is published. It says that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace during his time on the show were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact'. It concludes that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated'. In the wake of the report's findings, Banijay say that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable'. View More » MORE: BBC viewers in awe as father-son duo become first ever to win gameshow's jackpot MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2025 MORE: Kris Marshall to return as beloved TV detective as BBC spin-off resumes filming
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC MasterChef's Gregg Wallace and John Torode were 'never friends'
Gregg Wallace and John Torode fronted the BBC cooking show together for two decades, but a new report claims they were "never friends" and Wallace actually spoke out against his co-star. Gregg Wallace has been accused of feeding information about his MasterChef co-host John Torode during an inquiry into his own conduct, according to recent claims. Despite sharing the spotlight on the BBC cooking programme for two decades, it's reported that the duo were "never friends" according to a new report outlined in the Mirror. Wallace was briefing against Torode while the broadcaster and production company investigated misconduct allegations levelled at him. This revelation follows the departure of both presenters from the show. Wallace was dismissed first after 45 out of 83 complaints against him were upheld, including accusations of "unwanted physical contact", "being in a state of undress", bullying, and making inappropriate jokes. Torode was later let go amid an accusation that he used "an extremely offensive racist term", which he denies any knowledge of. Reports suggest that the incident involved Torode using the N-word at a season wrap party in 2019 while singing along to Kanye West's 'Gold Digger'. However, BBC News has stated that the allegation actually dates back to the previous year when he allegedly uttered the same word on set after filming had concluded, aimed at a staff member. Torode, 59, maintains that he has "no recollection" of making the "offensive" remark he's been accused of, despite the complaint being upheld by law firm Lewis Silkin. The Australian chef expressed that any use of racist language is "wholly unacceptable". Between 2012 and 2019, nine allegations were levelled against Torode. Two of these were deemed unsubstantiated by investigators, while six lacked sufficient evidence. These include additional claims of abusive language towards junior production staff and sexual language. BBC News unveiled the allegations in November. It was alleged that the MasterChef production team were "defensive" at the time and hoped to "wanted to ride out the storm", wishing for "the story to go away." Noor Nanji noted, "There was a view that Wallace's career could be saved, and his worst behaviour was in the past," adding that "Others in the production team were in disbelief." She suggests that few formal complaints were lodged due to fear of "repercussions". Many of the show's staff were freelancers, concerned that speaking up might jeopardise future career opportunities. The BBC and Banijay reportedly had differing views on the matter, with Banijay initially not intending to dismiss Torode. However, BBC's director general Tim Davie insisted on drawing "a line in the sand" over the issue. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Torode is gearing up to take legal action against the BBC and Banijay following his dismissal from MasterChef. In a statement outlined by the Mirror, he expressed shock at learning of his contract termination through a public announcement made by the BBC and producers Banijay. Insiders close to the celebrity chef suggest he's consulting employment lawyers in an effort to "clear his name." Torode himself acknowledged the presence of an allegation, stating: "I do not believe that it happened." Banijay UK confirmed they had discussed the issue with Torode and the BBC, concluding that they "are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef". However, in a statement released on Tuesday evening, Torode said: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay, I am seeing and reading I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef. I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong." He mentioned that Celebrity MasterChef, which he recently filmed with food critic Grace Dent, along with two Christmas specials, would be his final appearances. BBC Director General Davie, speaking to BBC News on Tuesday, described the allegation against Torode as "a serious racist term which does not get to be acceptable in any way shape or form. It's really important we are taking this seriously." ITV is standing by John and offering a lifeline to his television career. The third instalment of John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen, which he presents with his wife Lisa, aired earlier this week. A source revealed that the situation has been "hard for Lisa", who is "conscious of their ITV show and doesn't want to jeopardise that." Uncertainty now looms over the complete recording of BBC1's amateur version of MasterChef, currently on hold due to the investigation into Wallace, as well as the 20th celebrity series, which has yet to announce its 20 participants and judge Grace Dent. However, Davie has expressed confidence in the show's resilience. "It's a great programme, well loved by audiences. It is bigger than individuals. It can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show," he stated. Names such as Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt and The Great British Menu host Andi Oliver are being considered as potential candidates to step in on MasterChef.
