Gorka Marquez breaks silence on axed BBC Strictly-themed Celebrity Masterchef special amid Gregg Wallace saga
Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez has shared a glimpse into what it was like to film the Strictly-themed MasterChef, which was pulled from screens following the Gregg Wallace scandal.
Ahead of the presenter’s fall from grace, stars from the BBC dancing competition featured in a special episode of the cooking show as a Christmas special. However, it had to be removed from the festive schedule in light of allegations made against Wallace.
It came as the BBC confirmed in December that two episodes had been pulled from the schedule as Wallace, 60, stepped away from hosting duties on the show after accusations of misconduct.
A BBC spokesperson said in early December: “As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned.
“The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them.”
Unfortunately, it means the dancers’ attempts at impressing with their culinary skills would never see the light of day.
However, Marquez, 34, has shared some insight into the episode.
“I can tell you it was fun to film,” he admitted, adding: “Maybe now I have to do the main MasterChef show so I can follow in Vito’s steps!”
The remark alludes to his Strictly co-star Vito Coppola, who won the celebrity edition of MasterChef in 2024.
“I wasn’t surprised he won because on every Strictly tour he was always cooking and he loves food. That’s why he was so good,” Marquez told Radio Times.
The accusations against Wallace include claims of inappropriate sexual comments, jokes, and talking openly about intimate acts on set.
Some women have accused Wallace of flirting with crew members and asking younger female colleagues for their phone numbers.
At least 13 women came forward with accusations of inappropriate behaviour, which the chef has vehemently denied, insisting on Instagram that he had never taken part in any wrongdoing.
His lawyers have also branded the allegations that he engages in inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature as “entirely false”.
Banijay stated that while the complainants hadn’t raised allegations directly with show producers, they felt it “appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review.”
Elsewhere in Marquez’s recent interview, the choreographer went on to explain why he isn’t taking part in this year’s Strictly tour, confessing: “Strictly is quite intense.”
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He continued: “And I have to balance work with time with Gemma [Atkinson] and the children.
“They are five and one, and this time will never come back.”
He went on to applaud his wife, whom he met on Strictly back in 2017, explaining: “Gemma is a superhero.
“When I am away, she manages mostly on her own, though luckily her mum and dad live very near.”