The BBC has announced it will broadcast the already-recorded series of MasterChef featuring sacked presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode, following “careful consideration and consultation with the contestants” who competed in the show.
The decision comes just days after both presenters were dismissed from the flagship cooking competition following a damning independent investigation that upheld 45 allegations against Wallace and substantiated a racist language complaint against Torode. The series, along with a celebrity edition and Christmas special, was filmed in 2024 before the misconduct allegations emerged publicly.
MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part,” the BBC said in a statement released on Tuesday. “The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.”
Controversial Decision Divides Opinion
The corporation acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating: “This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it.”
The BBC emphasised that broadcasting the series “in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters” and reiterated its commitment to maintaining standards of behaviour for those working on BBC productions.
Some of the women who came forward with allegations against Wallace have expressed strong opposition to the decision. One former MasterChef worker told BBC News that airing the series would show “a real lack of respect” to people like her, whilst another warned it would “make a mockery” of those who had spoken out.
Investigation Findings
The Lewis Silkin investigation, which spanned seven months and interviewed 78 witnesses, substantiated 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace, primarily relating to inappropriate sexual language and humour between 2005 and 2024. The report also upheld one incident of “unwelcome physical contact.
Torode was dismissed after the same investigation substantiated an allegation that he used “an extremely offensive racist term” in the workplace in 2018. The BBC confirmed on Tuesday that Torode’s contract would not be renewed.
The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously,” a BBC spokesperson said. “We will not tolerate racist language of any kind.”
Contestants’ Perspectives
Previous MasterChef contestants have emphasised the transformative nature of appearing on the programme. The BBC stated it believes “broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process.
“We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series,” the corporation added.
BBC News understands that programme editors will examine how the series is edited in light of the findings, with consideration given to reducing the prominence of Wallace and Torode where possible. However, sources acknowledge there will be limitations given their roles as the show’s main presenters.
Industry Response
BBC Director General Tim Davie addressed the controversy earlier this week, declaring that MasterChef is “much bigger than individuals” and can “absolutely survive and prosper.
Patrick Holland, Executive Chair of production company Banijay UK, described the investigation findings as “uncomfortable reading” but said they provided “valuable insight to ensure that going forward everyone working on our productions feels safe and supported.”
One senior producer who previously worked on the show described having the completed series featuring both presenters as “the absolute worst position for them to be in.”
Future of the Programme
The BBC has confirmed that MasterChef remains secure on the corporation until at least 2028, following a deal signed with Banijay in 2022. Food critic Grace Dent has already been announced as Wallace’s replacement for the upcoming Celebrity MasterChef series, filmed earlier this year.
A decision on who will permanently replace both presenters for the main MasterChef series has yet to be announced. Irish chef Anna Haugh reportedly stepped in to complete filming of series 21 after Wallace’s departure.
Legal Considerations
Industry insiders suggest legal complications may have influenced the decision to broadcast. One producer noted that “depending on how the contracts they signed are specifically worded, it’s perfectly possible that a motivated contestant who committed time and therefore money to participate might get a decent lawyer to argue the BBC is in breach of contract.
The BBC concluded its statement by describing MasterChef as “a brilliant, much-loved programme” that will “continue to flourish on the BBC.”
“We look forward to it returning stronger than ever in the future,” the corporation stated.
Both Wallace and Torode presented MasterChef together for nearly two decades, helping establish it as a global phenomenon with multiple international versions and spin-offs. Their dismissals mark the end of one of British television’s longest-running presenting partnerships.
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Image Credit:
John Torode and Gregg Wallace at MasterChef Live 2010 – Photo by Herry Lawford, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
