MasterChef thrown into chaos as judge 'pulls out' just days before filming

MasterChef has been thrown into fresh turmoil after replacement judge Tom Kerridge reportedly pulled out of the deal just a day before filming was due to begin. The BBC show was already in crisis after Gregg Wallace and John Torode's 20-year run came to an end last month, with both men axed from the flagship programme. Gregg, 60, had stepped back from filming in November but was later sacked altogether after an investigation upheld 45 out of 83 complaints made against him.

John was dismissed soon after when law firm Lewis Silkin upheld a complaint that he had used racist language. He denied the allegation and insisted he had "no recollection" of the incident taking place, but the BBC confirmed it took the finding "extremely seriously". Producers had lined up food critic Grace Dent and Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge as the new faces of the programme, with the pair seen as a safe bet to steady the brand.

Grace had already stepped in to cover for Gregg on Celebrity MasterChef earlier this year and had been widely praised by viewers.

A source told The Sun: "Tom and Grace are seen as a really safe pair of hands and the BBC thought they were the perfect fit for MasterChef.

"Internally it's been known for a long time that they'll be presenting it together. People at the BBC and staff on MasterChef have all been talking about it."

The insider added that the arrangement had been intended as a one-year term, but said negotiations in recent weeks had hit a wall over money.

"His team wants him to get more money and have put the brakes on," the source revealed, describing the row as an "absolute nightmare" for BBC bosses with filming looming.

The same source claimed that if Tom does not get the terms he wants, the broadcaster will be forced to search for another replacement at the last minute - risking yet more disruption.

Insiders fear the last-minute drama could delay production schedules, with concerns mounting that the new series may be pushed back if a replacement judge cannot be secured in time.

Grace's promotion was officially announced back in December. At the time John even praised her appointment, saying: "I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years.

"She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges. Expertise is what MasterChef is all about, from the contestants to our wonderful production team, to us as judges.

"The love of food, the love of MasterChef, and that unquestionable expertise, makes Grace the perfect person to step in alongside me as judge for the forthcoming Celebrity MasterChef series."

Meanwhile, the final MasterChef series featuring John and Gregg, filmed before their exits, is currently airing on BBC One, with the grand final expected to be broadcast in the coming weeks.

Express Online has contacted Tom's representatives and the BBC for comment.