MasterChef could be set for a judging shake-up just days after the 2026 final aired on BBC1. Grace Dent and Anna Haugh replaced Gregg Wallace and John Torode as the faces of the hit cooking series, after the BBC upheld over 40 allegations over Wallace's conduct and sacked him from the role. Meanwhile, Torode was accused of using a racial slur and also left the show. He denied any recollection of the incident.
Robert Walton MBE, a renowned restaurateur and chairman of the World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist, was said to be "in talks" with MasterChef bosses to appear as a judge in the 2026 series.
But an insider has hinted the door is still open for him to take a role in the next season of the show, telling Express.co.uk: "The BBC decided to go with two female presenters in the wake of what happened with Gregg and John. But talks went well with Robert, and he is definitely still in the mix, should there be any changes to the line-up down the line."
The insider added: "He is very passionate about helping young chefs get opportunities in the industry, and he loves that the show gives them a much-needed platform to show off their skills. But he is also a very busy man, and while MasterChef would be a great project to work on, he is also looking to share an inside look into younger chefs starting out."
Walton has been in the hospitality industry since he was 19, opening his first restaurant, Petit Village, aged 19. He was awarded an MBE in 2007 for his services and is known as the "godfather of hospitality", knowing many of the UK's top chefs.
At the time, bosses were said to be considering putting Robert together with Grace, with a source telling Daily Mail's Eden Confidential that he was "the most qualified for the job". They added: "They like the idea of Robert and Grace together. They are playing around with pairs, and they are looking for credibility. It would make a refreshing change to have someone who is an authority on food and hospitality, who is highly decorated and respected, judging for MasterChef."
The MasterChef 2026 final aired on Friday, June 5th, with chef Jhane Gibson being crowned the winner after going head-to-head with fellow finalists Kristen and Matt in the last kitchen battle.
