Matt Tebbutt reveals real reason he's been 'axed' from MasterChef: The Professionals
Matt has only fronted the show for one seriesMatt Tebbutt has spoken out and revealed the real reason behind his ‘axing’ from MasterChef: The Professionals.
The TV chef, 52, was brought in as a judge for the spin-off series, which sees professional cooks go head to head in the kitchen.
The current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is still on air, with Matt due on screen tonight in the latest episode.
But reports this week have claimed Matt has already been axed from the BBC show.
Matt Tebbutt reveals reason for MasterChef: The Professionals ‘axe’
It was claimed in The Sun that the Beeb had dropped Matt after just one series. Insiders also suggested that bosses were happy to continue with just long-standing culinary experts, Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti.
There might be a few eyebrows raised that Matt isn’t staying on given he has just joined,” a source told the publication.
Matt, however, has now spoken out and revealed the truth about his future on the show.
Taking to Instagram, the Saturday Kitchen star told fans that he’d only ever agreed to front one series of MasterChef: The Professionals.
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Matt wrote in a grid post: “A lot of lovely people have contacted me about not doing the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals. I was only ever doing one series and I loved judging on it and will continue working with MasterChef.”
His statement comes after it was claimed MasterChef bosses will bring Matt back ‘from time to time’ as a guest judge.
Fans have been quick to react to news of Matt’s departure as a main judge on the spin-off. And many want to see him reinstated as a permanent face on the show.
One commented on his post: “You ought to be a permanent fixture with the show.” Another added: “I didn’t realise it was only going to be the one series. It’s a shame as you have been fantastic.”
A third wrote: “Well done for the series Matt! Love the energy and life you brought to the show, you’ll be missed x.”
And someone else shared a ‘clapping hands’ emoji and told him: “Matt, you’re the missing ingredient!”
MasterChef presenter change up
Matt’s stint on MasterChef: The Professionals came after Gregg Wallace was sacked last year amid a series of misconduct allegations.
Gregg’s former co-presenter, John Torode, has since also left.
Last autumn, Celebrity MasterChef returned to the BBC. Filmed before John’s exit, he judged and hosted the series with Grace Dent. The civilian series of MasterChef is due to return this year. Grace’s new co-host has been announced as Anna Haugh.
MasterChef: The Professionals’ production company, Banijay, was contacted following the reports that Matt would be stepping back.
A spokesperson said: “No decisions have been made yet about the presenting line up for the future series of MasterChef. We won’t comment on speculation.”
