‘We’ve been together longer than most marriages’
Will viewers notice any differences because of filming restrictions?
JOHN, 55: The biggest difference is that Gregg and I get our own plate of food – so we don’t have to fight each other for the good bits! We don’t get to travel as much either, but it’s the same studio and we’re doing MasterChef as it should be done. This is series 17 – what makes you keep coming back for more? GREGG, 56: I really like the subject matter, and as a work environment it’s a very happy and enjoyable place…
JOHN: Without MasterChef,
I don’t think I would have met so many interesting people. As a social voyeur, it’s fascinating to see the way in which the world of food has changed. And the other thing is, they feed me for free! How did you two meet?
JOHN: We met in October 1992 – which makes this year our 29th anniversary; that’s longer than most marriages! I was working at this place which was doing Aussie food. Gregg was a fruit and veg man. He turned up in a van and asked me if I wanted to buy stuff from him – and we’ve known each other ever since! Have you managed to keep in touch over lockdown?
GREGG: Yeah, I text John sporadically and I also get to see him on television! I watch him and Lisa strut their stuff at the weekend [John and wife Lisa Faulkner’s Weekend Kitchen on ITV]. He probably doesn’t know I watch them, but I do. JOHN: What’s cool about MasterChef is we’re giving something back. We’re producing a TV programme for the nation’s entertainment, and we’re watching people who have decided they want to do something different in their life. You walk away feeling pretty good about it.
The Favourite Ingredient Challenge is new this series; what would be yours?
GREGG: A potato. I don’t know where we’d be without them in British cuisine…
JOHN: Mine would be an egg, which I think is the most amazing thing, and probably the most used ingredient in our house. How have the past few months been for you?
GREGG: I’ve got my ShowMe.Fit weightloss and fitness site. I’m also relishing the opportunity to be at home with my young baby boy [Sid, who is almost two], but I’m missing pubs and restaurants – and being able to put on a nice shirt instead of wearing the same outfit every day.
JOHN: We’re not filming Weekend Kitchen until April, but there’s going to be a lot more of that coming up, and I’ve been trying to learn how to draw. It’s the little things – making sure you do something every day. Finally, Gregg – we must touch upon your amazing physique? GREGG: Well, I think some people are probably saying, “Turn it in, Wallace, I don’t want to be looking at you with your shirt off when I’m having my breakfast!” But I’m trying to make a point and that is, at 56, you can be as fit and as healthy as you want to be. John said to me, “Mate, you used to be 60 fags a day and a bottle of whisky!” The feedback I get is mostly positive and I think
I’ve got a right to be pleased with myself.