The long-running cooking competition MasterChef has been plunged into chaos following the shock dismissal of both its lead presenters, Gregg Wallace and John Torode, in quick succession.

Production sources say the events of the past fortnight have left the crew reeling. One team member, who asked to remain anonymous, told BBC News with emotion in their voice:

“I’m in shock with it all. It’s raw, and fresh.”

The fallout marks a dramatic turning point for the show, which has enjoyed consistent popularity over its multi-decade run. After months of relative quiet behind the scenes, recent events have unfolded rapidly.

While official statements remain sparse, insiders familiar with the internal discussions reveal long-standing tensions between Wallace and Torode—despite their chemistry on-screen.

“They were never friends,” one insider said bluntly. “They worked well for the cameras, but behind the scenes, things were much more strained than people realised.”

The BBC has yet to announce whether new presenters will be brought in or if the format will undergo a complete overhaul. The timing and manner of both dismissals have sparked intense speculation about a broader shake-up of the franchise.

Sources close to production suggest the decision was not taken lightly and follows weeks of internal meetings and mounting pressure from both creative and managerial teams.

Fans of the show have taken to social media to express disbelief and disappointment, with many questioning what lies ahead for one of Britain’s most iconic cooking series.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: MasterChef is entering an uncertain new chapter—and the drama behind the scenes may rival anything seen in the kitchen.