A leading TV chef tipped to take over from Gregg Wallace on MasterChef has slammed the “disingenuous” and “ridiculous” public outcry amidst the ongoing controversy.

Wallace recently stepped back as a judge on the famed culinary competition amid a BBC investigation into claims of his inappropriate sexual remarks and behaviour.

These are allegations which he strongly refutes, asserting through his lawyers: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”

Andi Oliver, celebrated for her Great British Menu stint, urged restraint in the scandal, saying to the Mail: “The thing to do is not be too melodramatic about it.

“Gregg Wallace is not the only person who’s been given a licence to behave in ways that are inappropriate. And for everybody to pretend that he is a kind of lone wolf is disingenuous and a bit ridiculous, really.”

Andi Oliver could replace Gregg Wallace (Image: Getty)

She emphasised the need to focus on fostering “good, productive, safe spaces” rather than getting caught up in the controversy surrounding the former greengrocer.

MasterChef insiders told the Daily Mail that the BBC is believed to be eyeing either Oliver or food critic Grace Dent as potential replacements to join John Torode for the forthcoming series.

The broadcaster has faced a significant shake-up as more allegations come to light against MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace, leading to the cancellation of the Christmas specials.

The BBC originally connected the claims to 13 individuals over 17 years but has now expanded its focus, reports Devon Live.

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Andi Oliver and John Torode have previously worked together (Image: ITV)Production company Banijay UK emphasised their dedication to “committed to fully co-operating” in light of the ongoing inquiry.

Celebrity chef Marcus Wareing, who alongside Monica Galetti stars with Wallace on The Professionals, recounted prior tensions during the 15th series.

He revealed: “If it was just me and Monica, then we’re good at predicting the winner, but because Gregg is in the mix, it f***s it all up a bit. We have times where we do disagree but everyone’s entitled to their point of view.”

Meanwhile, the “godfather of hospitality” Robert Walton, also president of the Restaurant Association, has been tipped for potentially stepping into Wallace’s shoes on MasterChef.

Despite not knowing Wallace personally, Walton voiced his familiarity with John Torode and readiness for TV work: “can deliver”.