The BBC has announced that the latest series of MasterChef, filmed before the dismissal of presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode, will still be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer.
This decision, according to the BBC, was made “after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants.”
In a statement, the broadcaster emphasized, “MasterChef is an exceptional competition that can be life-altering for the amateur chefs involved. The primary focus has always been on their skills and personal journeys.”
The BBC also stated that a decision regarding the completed celebrity series and Christmas special, which featured Torode and food critic Grace Dent, is still pending.
The regular amateur series, filmed in 2024, was hosted by Wallace and Torode. Allegations against Wallace reportedly surfaced towards the end of production.
Earlier this month, a report by the show’s production company revealed that over 40 complaints against Wallace were substantiated, alongside a claim that Torode used an offensive racist term.
BBC News understands that the new series may undergo re-editing, with the prominence of Wallace and Torode potentially being reassessed.
While limitations exist on the extent to which the pair can be edited out, the focus is expected to shift towards the contestants.
The BBC stated, “This has been a difficult decision, and we recognize that not everyone will agree with it.”
“Broadcasting this series, filmed last year, does not diminish our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have clearly communicated the expected standards of behavior for those working at or on behalf of the BBC.”
“However, we believe it is right to broadcast this series for the cooks who have invested so much in the process, allowing them to be recognized and giving the audience the choice to watch.”
Former contestants have previously told BBC News that appearing on MasterChef can be a “life-changing” experience.
However, some of the women who have made claims against Wallace have expressed their opposition to airing the new series.
Reacting to the news, one former MasterChef worker said the decision to proceed demonstrated “a blatant disregard for those who have come forward.”
Speaking to BBC News, she questioned, “How can you be fired, yet your work is still made public?”
“While a gap in the prime-time schedule is not ideal, integrity demands that they should have found other series to fill those slots.”
Another woman, also a former MasterChef employee, described the decision to air the series as “profoundly disrespectful” to those who, like her, had made allegations.
“Ultimately, it sends a message that such behavior can be overlooked.”
The substantiated claims against Wallace included one instance of unwelcome physical contact and three of being in a state of undress.
Of the 83 complaints made against Wallace, he has stated that he was cleared of “the most serious and sensational allegations.” However, he conceded, “I recognize that some of my humor and language, at times, was inappropriate.”
“For that, I apologize without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.”
The upheld complaint against Torode related to a comment made on the set of MasterChef in 2018. The presenter stated that he had “no recollection” of it and that any racist language is “wholly unacceptable.”
In its statement, the BBC described MasterChef as “a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual.”
“There are many talented, dedicated and hard-working people who make the show what it is. It will continue to flourish on the BBC and we look forward to it returning stronger than ever in the future.”
Discussions between the hosts and various broadcasters are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached.
The BBC has learned that there were nine complaints against Torode, and the show’s producers had reportedly hoped to weather the storm.
Katie Razzall reports that the past weeks have placed significant pressure on Tim Davie’s leadership.
Amid the show’s crisis, BBC Director-General Tim Davie has stated that no decision has been made regarding the next series.
BBC Chair Samir Shah noted that the BBC has observed more staff feeling confident in coming forward.