Robert Walton MBE / YouTube
Robert Walton, known as “the godfather of hospitality”, is reportedly in the frame to be one of the two new hosts of MasterChef.
The BBC is on the hunt for new hosts for its flagship cookery show following the dismissals of Gregg Wallace and John Torode, with a male-female pairing thought to be the preferred option.
Saturday Kitchen‘s Matt Tebbutt was installed as the bookies’ favourite for one of the two positions, but according to the Daily Mail, acclaimed hotelier and restaurateur Walton is now “in talks” for the role.
The 69-year-old – a champion of young talent in the food industry – looks likely to be paired with food critic Grace Dent, who recently stepped in to co-host Celebrity MasterChef while Wallace was suspended.
“Robert is in talks for being appointed the MasterChef judge position with Dent,” a source told the newspaper. “He is a wild card but the most qualified for the job.
“They like the idea of Robert and Grace together. They are playing around with pairs, and they are looking for credibility. It would make a refreshing change to have someone who is an authority on food and hospitality, who is highly decorated and respected, judging for MasterChef.”
Andi Oliver, known for The Great British Menu, is also said to be a possibility for one of the two roles.
