MasterChef returns tonight, August 6, with Gregg Wallace and John Torode hosting, despite recent controversies. The BBC confirmed the new series was recorded before the long-time presenters were dismissed following numerous allegations.
The co-hosts joined MasterChef in 2005 when the show was revamped, becoming a global hit by 2011. Their exact BBC salaries have never been disclosed because they are not directly employed by the BBC but contracted through production company Banijay, which produces MasterChef. The BBC only publishes salaries of employees earning above £178,000.
Gregg Wallace was reportedly earning £400,000 annually, according to The Sun, though this may include other MasterChef-related work. After tax and National Insurance, he would take home around £223,786. John Torode is estimated to be worth £8 million from television, his culinary career, and restaurant ventures. His London restaurants generated nearly £10 million in revenue before he sold them.
Following an investigation into misconduct, Wallace was dismissed from MasterChef and may have to return half his earnings. Over 50 individuals lodged complaints about his behaviour, which he has refuted. Wallace also borrowed £70,000 last year for his fitness app ShowMe.Fit, which made a modest profit of £60,000 in its latest accounts.
