Snoop Dogg has declared himself as an unlikely candidate to step in to host MasterChef, if Gregg Wallace does not return.
Wallace has been at the centre of a swirl of allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and actions in recent weeks, with the presenter saying he was stepping down from the BBC show while an investigation is conducted into his behaviour.
In a somewhat unforeseen turn of events, Snoop has now thrown his hat into the ring to replace Wallace, telling The Mirror: “You better believe Snoop could be the new MasterChef judge”.
The rap legend went on to reference his friendship with TV chef Gordon Ramsay as further proof of his credentials for the role. “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 added.
“He knows I am not playing when it comes to food. He knows I can cook – I have even given him some tips. I hosted a cooking show over here [Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party] and I have always been vocal about wanting to work on a UK show. I love the place – and for real, this could be the perfect opportunity.”
Wallace stood down after a series of complaints were made to the BBC, including a pattern of inappropriate sexual comments made by the host to 13 people who had worked with him over a period of 17 years.
A day after the initial reports, more women came forward with further allegations, with one claiming that Wallace regularly talked inappropriately about sex, domination and spanking while working on the Channel 5 show Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends in 2019.
It was then reported that the BBC was made aware of allegations against the presenter in a letter sent in 2022, but no further investigation took place.
Wallace’s lawyers said it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. In a video posted last weekend (December 1), he dismissed the accusers as being “middle-class women of a certain age” all from Celebrity Masterchef.
“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.
Those comments prompted criticism from many quarters, including Downing Street, who described them as “inappropriate and misogynistic”. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also held talks with BBC bosses over the controversy.
Wallace has since apologised for his comments. In a follow-up video posted to his Instagram story, he said: “I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people.
“I wasn’t in a good head space when I posted it I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion. I felt very alone, under siege yesterday when I posted it. It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope you accept this apology.”
For more help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
