Mr Wallace was sacked following a series of misconduct allegations

Gregg Wallace’s replacement for the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals has been confirmed as TV host and chef Matt Tebbutt.

The 51-year-old, best known for hosting BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen, will join chefs Marcus Wareing, 55, and Monica Galetti, 50, for the 18th series of the cookery show.

Mr Tebbutt described it as “an absolute honour” to be hosting the show and working alongside Mr Wareing and Mrs Galetti.

He said he is looking forward to working with “titans of the food world” on the show.

Matt Tebbutt will replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef: The Professionals

 | PA

Mr Wallace was sacked following a series of misconduct allegations relating to his time on the amateur series of MasterChef.

He was replaced alongside his former co-presenter, John Torode, after an allegation against him of using “an extremely offensive racist term”.

Looking ahead to the upcoming series, Mr Tebbutt praised his future co-presenters.

He said: “Their knowledge and uncompromising attitude is now the stuff of legend, and I look forward to them taking me under their wing, and seeing the chefs get off to a flying start in the competition.”

Mr Wareing stated: “I’m really looking forward to working with Matt and his experience, both on screen and in the industry, speaks for itself.

“This show is all about showcasing and celebrating the best up-and-coming talent emerging from our country’s professional kitchens, and Matt, Monica, and I will be expecting the highest standards from our chefs this year.

“I can’t wait for what will be a fantastic next series.”

Mrs Galetti continued: “To have Matt join us is really exciting.

“Seeing what skills our contestants showcase and tasting their culinary creations is always a delight.

“Marcus and I look forward to welcoming Matt to the MasterChef studios and discovering our next champion.”

Gregg Wallace was sacked by BBC MasterChef over the allegations

 | BBC

The most recent series of MasterChef: The Professionals, which featured Wallace, continued to air last year amid the allegations against him.

A couple of MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials were pulled from the BBC’s schedule in December 2024.

David Ambler, MasterChef executive editor, said: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome Matt on board for the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals.

“His career as a chef, restaurateur and food broadcaster makes him an ideal choice to join this year’s judging line-up and we can’t wait to discover the crop of exciting new talent.”