S Poddar
Snoop Dogg has thrown his name into the mix as a surprising candidate to take over hosting duties on MasterChef, should Gregg Wallace not return to the popular show.
Wallace is a long-time presenter on the BBC show, and lately, he has been embroiled in a flood of allegations regarding inappropriate sexual comments and behavior. In the wake of the allegations, the presenter declared that he will step down from the show as the BBC holds an investigation into his conduct.
The surprising twist was from none other than Snoop Dogg himself, who declared he wants the job. The rap legend told The Mirror, “You better believe Snoop could be the new MasterChef judge.” And he continued with some glowing words, including mentioning how close a buddy he is to top chef TV icon Gordon Ramsay and all that culinary training to support his suitability for the post.
My boy Gordon [Ramsay] judges on the US version of the show, and I know he would back me to be able to judge on the UK version,” Snoop said. “He knows I am not playing when it comes to food. He knows I can cook—I have even given him some tips.”. Of course, I showed over here [Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party], and I was always vocal about wanting to work on a UK show. I love the place—and for real, this could be the perfect opportunity.
The suggestion comes as Wallace faces increasing scrutiny. Complaints against the presenter reportedly span over 17 years, with accusations from 13 individuals about inappropriate sexual remarks and behavior. Additional allegations have surfaced, including claims that Wallace frequently made inappropriate comments about sex, domination, and spanking during his work on Channel 5’s Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends in 2019.
Other reports indicate that the BBC had been informed of similar allegations against Wallace in a letter received in 2022. No action was taken despite the warning, and the criticism of the network’s handling of the situation only increased.
Wallace’s lawyers have vigorously and vociferously denied the claims, referring to allegations of sexually harassing behaviour as “wholly and completely false.” Last weekend Wallace tried to downplay allegations in a video, telling viewers that they were complaints from “middle-class women of a certain age,” and that the source had been former participants in the Celebrity MasterChef show.
“In 20 years, over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants on MasterChef, have made sexual remarks, or sexual innuendo, can you imagine?” he said in the clip.
As the controversy around Wallace continues to unravel, having Snoop Dogg host one of the shows has elicited curiosity and excitement in some fans. With an interesting mix of charisma and careers, Snoop always ends up venturing into unrelated domains. From the food show with Martha Stewart, to culinary icons collaborating on projects, the rapper reveals a genuine interest in food and entertaining.
Whether or not the BBC takes Snoop’s offer seriously, it certainly does add a rather interesting twist to an already dramatic situation. For the fans of MasterChef, Snoop Dogg’s energy and humor might bring a welcome shake-up to the usual format of the show.
As the discussions on Wallace’s allegations continue and the BBC continues its investigation, the future of MasterChef and its hosting lineup hangs in the balance. Snoop Dogg’s enthusiasm and vibrant personality make for a great alternative that could redefine the show for a new generation.
