EXCLUSIVE: MasterChef has been embroiled in controversy after judge Gregg Wallace stepped away from the show – but BBC bosses have found their next host.

MasterChef host Gregg Wallace stepped back from the show last week (Image: BBC/Shine TV)

MasterChef has been embroiled in scandal over the past few weeks after Gregg Wallace stepped back from the BBC show.

The 60-year-old TV chef is now facing at least 13 accusations of inappropriate sexual misconduct, including one from former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark.

Despite his controversial exit, the BBC have continued to air the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals. However, the flagship channel has cancelled the festive specials which were set to drop later this year.

Following his sudden departure, speculation has been mounting as to who will replace Gregg as the host and judge of the beloved cooking competition. Now, bookies at OLBG have revealed which TV personalities could be in the running to take over the coveted job.

According to the betting agent, season six Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain could be taking over the reins with odds of 2/1. Closing in at her heels is former MasterChef winner and John Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner at 4/1.

Former Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain is currently in the top spot for the job (Image: BBC/Wall to Wall/Tom Kirkman)

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Entertainment Betting expert Jask Ashton has revealed a former Bake Off winner could be stepping into Gregg’s shoes.

He told us: “Last week, MasterChef judge and TV chef Gregg Wallace stepped down from his role on the show, after several complaints surfaced about inappropriate behaviour towards people he has previously worked with.

“The BBC has announced that the celebrity Christmas special of MasterChef won’t air as originally planned while the matter is ongoing.

“With Wallace stepping down from the much-loved MasterChef, it opens up the questions as to which TV personality could replace him as a regular judge.

John Torode & Lisa Faulkner already host a weekend cooking show (Image: ITV)

“According to the latest odds, the winner of the sixth of The Great British Bake Off Nadiya Hussain is the current favourite to replace Wallace with odds of 2/1.

“Other names in the running to become a judge on the show include Lisa Faulkner, who is married to current MasterChef judge John Torode. Lisa Faulkner currently has odds of 4/1, so could we see the husband-and-wife duo team up to judge the next series?”

John and Lisa already host a weekend show together on ITV called John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen which returned in September.

It comes after the Australian chef reportedly raised concerns about his co-host on numerous occasions after he became unhappy with the language used on-set. According to a new report, John, 59, “did not condone” Gregg’s alleged behaviour and spoke to officials at production company Banijay UK.

A source claimed to The Sun: “He repeatedly flagged his behaviour and poor-taste remarks to execs on set and made clear he wasn’t happy. It was never a formal ­complaint, rather a series of spoken concerns raised.

“He does not know whether any formal record was ever made but the sense he got was that bosses needed to protect the ­MasterChef brand at all costs and that meant turning a blind eye.”