Speculation over who will replace Gregg Wallace at the helm of the flagship BBC cooking competition has grown, with several names emerging as front runners. Wallace, 60, stepped down from his role as host and judge as at least 13 accusations of inappropriate sexual behaviour were made against him.

MasterChef co-host John Torode John Torode has said allegations surrounding Gregg Wallace are ‘truly upsetting’ as he addressed allegations against Gregg Wallace for the first time.

The BBC is pulling its MasterChef Christmas after presenter Gregg Wallace was accused of inappropriate sexual comments. The corporation had said on Monday that all MasterChef episodes that had already been filmed would be aired as planned, including the festive editions.