TV Specials
MasterChef Odds: Who Replaced John Torode
Andi Oliver and Tom Kerridge were the favourites to replace John Torode on MasterChef, but Grace Dent took over the main show alongside Anna Haugh, with Giorgio Locatelli joining for the celebrity series.
Last Updated 4 weeks ago
🟢 Outcome: None of the market favourites took the job. Grace Dent now fronts the main MasterChef alongside Anna Haugh, with Giorgio Locatelli joining Dent for Celebrity MasterChef.
Speculation over who would replace John Torode on BBC’s MasterChef intensified after the long-time judge was dismissed. A BBC investigation upheld an allegation that he had used racist language, which Torode said he had no recollection of and did not believe had taken place.
At the time, with the BBC yet to confirm any changes, the betting markets reacted quickly and two clear frontrunners emerged.
Andi Oliver was the favourite at 5/2 (28.6%). Known for her vibrant energy and authority on Great British Menu, Oliver’s blend of warmth and culinary credibility made her a top choice among fans and bookmakers alike. She would also have made history as the first Black woman to present the show.
Close behind was Tom Kerridge at 3/1 (25%), whose accessible cooking style and likeable media persona had earned him a devoted following. With multiple restaurants, several BBC series and a reputation for combining fine dining with everyday appeal, Kerridge was seen as a strong fit for MasterChef’s evolving audience.
Dave James, odds analyst at Whataretheodds.co.uk, said: “Andi Oliver remains the market leader, but Tom Kerridge is attracting a lot of support. His profile is huge, and he’s one of the most trusted names in British food. This could come down to what direction the BBC wants, whether prestige, relatability, or a bit of both.”
Poppy O’Toole, a rising star on TikTok and in modern food media, was next at 4/1 (20%), followed by Angela Hartnett at 5/1 (16.7%) and Nadiya Hussain at 6/1 (14.3%). Further down the list were TV staples like James Martin, Grace Dent and Nigella Lawson, along with Marcus Wareing and Lisa Faulkner.
Top contenders to replace John Torode
| Name | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Andi Oliver | 5/2 | 28.6% |
| Tom Kerridge | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Poppy O’Toole | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Angela Hartnett | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Nadiya Hussain | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| Grace Dent | 7/1 | 12.5% |
| Nigella Lawson | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| James Martin | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Marcus Wareing | 12/1 | 7.7% |
| Lisa Faulkner | 14/1 | 6.7% |
In the event, the market read the field wrong. Rather than either favourite, Grace Dent, a 7/1 shot here, stepped up to front the main series alongside Anna Haugh, who had replaced Gregg Wallace, while Giorgio Locatelli later joined Dent for Celebrity MasterChef. More sits in the site’s TV specials odds.
