MasterChef's Gregg Wallace and John Torode on 'secret ingredient' to 20-year partnership amid 'feud' rumours

ok.co.uk:

John Torode and Gregg Wallace are back for another series of MasterChef – and this year the iconic show is celebrating its 20th anniversary. “I’m amazed, actually, that we have graced TV screens for 20 years,” confesses John, 58. “It seems to have gone in a flash… and although so many things have not changed, so much has changed.

And it’s been pretty joyous along the way – it’s been a real privilege.” The duo have been working together for two decades – so what does it take to have a healthy presenting relationship? “It’s trust,” insists Gregg, 59. “It’s knowing that you have the confidence to be you, the confidence that your partner isn’t competitive, the confidence that you and your partner have exactly the same outlook… “The first thing we do on set is say hello to each other.Then we face each other from about two feet away, and are there for a good hour.

And that is the start of our MasterChef day – and it has been for 20 years. If we didn’t get on, there is no way we could do it.” As the competition returns, John and Gregg will judge a plethora of amateur cooks as they battle it out through multiple gruelling heats. “Our first round this year is about taking basics to brilliance,” says John. “Our brief is to take an ingredient you have in your shopping basket every single week and show us what you can do with it – whether that be a potato, or an onion.

We’re all mindful of the cost of living crisis, so at the start, MasterChef begins with necessity, then gets to the stage where you can show off.” The pair say that these days they’re seeing participants embrace their heritage. “We’re seeing this amazing pride in the multiculturalism of Britain,” says John. “So many people are now taking the food that they grew up.