Matt has been a regular presenter on the BBC show since taking over from James Martin in 2016 and has reportedly ‘held talks’ about presenting MasterChef

Matt Tebbutt has addressed rumours he could be joining MasterChef(Image: (Image: BBC))

When questioned about potentially taking over as the presenter of MasterChef, Matt Tebutt offered a somewhat cryptic response, sparking further speculation. This comes after Gregg Wallace, aged 60, was reportedly let go by the BBC amid misconduct allegations.

Gregg initially stepped down from hosting duties in November. It led to food critic Grace Dent stepping in to co-host the latest series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode.

Grace recently told Loose Women that presenting the show had been her “dream job ever since she was a little girl”. She explained: “I’ve had my eye on the prize wanting it but you never think that you’re going to get chosen.

“When I felt that there might be some movement, and there might be a role, I wanted it and wanted it, and I put the feelers out but I wasn’t going to believe it until I was standing there smiling at scallops with the dress on, with the bra on. It’s a dream come true, I’m so happy.”

However, despite Grace’s temporary takeover, there has been ongoing speculation about the long-term host. It has been reported that Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebutt has had discussions about potentially taking on the role, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Gregg Wallace stepped aside from MasterChef in November(Image: BBC)

Matt has been a staple on MasterChef since taking over from James Martin in 2016, but hinted on the Grilled by The Staff Canteen podcast that change may be on the horizon, stating: “It’s going to stop at some point. I’m going to have to do something.”

In March, sources whispered to The Sun that MasterChef insiders were eager for Matt to take the reins and “make it his own,” revealing that he was in negotiations to co-present the show with John. The insider revealed: “Matt rose to the challenge of coming into Saturday Kitchen after it was previously hosted by another big name in the world of food, James Martin.

“He managed the feat of making it his own and almost making viewers forget who his predecessor was – now Beeb bosses, and the show producers Banijay, will be hoping he can work the same magic on MasterChef.”

Grace Dent stepped in on MasterChef(Image: BBC)

When quizzed about the potential gig, 51-year-old Matt played it cool. In an exchange with Muddy Stilettos, he remarked: “Well, there’s always rumours, but it would be a great gig for sure!”.

Having honed his culinary skills at Leiths School of Food and Wine in London, Matt went on to add flavour to some top-notch restaurants. His journey into television started when he substituted for James Martin on Saturday Kitchen.

Beyond this, Matt has helmed shows such as Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped and joined forces with Tom Parker-Bowles and Matthew Fort on Market Kitchen. His gastronomy achievements include running the Foxhunter restaurant in Wales for a decade and a half, which he now leases out.

Tune in to catch Matt back on Saturday Kitchen from 10am today on BBC One, where he’ll cook alongside Ran Shmueli, Richard Bainbridge, and Crystelle Pereira.

Guesting in the studio will be songstress Vanessa Williams, while Helen McGinn selects the week’s perfect wine pairings. Plus, viewers will get to savour nostalgic culinary clips from the BBC’s storied foodie archives.