BBC MasterChef WILL air episodes amid Gregg Wallace and John Torode saga as bosses issue statement
The BBC will air MasterChef episodes featuring Gregg Wallace and John Torode before the presenters were axed.
The amateur series of MasterChef filmed last year before allegations against Wallace and Torode were upheld will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from August 6, the corporation said.
The broadcaster issued a statement on the matter on Wednesday, July 23.
A BBC spokesperson said: “After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August.
“MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.
“This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it.
“In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters.
“We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.
“However, we believe that 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.
“At this stage we have not taken a decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, which was filmed earlier this year, and we will confirm our plans later in the year.
“Most importantly MasterChef is 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.”
The statement followed news last week that John Torode’s contract on MasterChef would not be renewed, as confirmed by the BBC and production company Banijay UK.
Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Gregg Wallace.
Torode said he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened” by the allegation.
In November 2024, the show’s production company, Banijay UK, announced Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.
Wallace issued an apology saying he is “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and that he “never set out to harm or humiliate” in the wake of a report that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld.
Torode began presenting the BBC cooking contest alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005.
Allegations of misconduct were made public late last year, prompting a BBC probe.
45 of the claims made against the 60-year-old were upheld, with the host officially axed from the show following the investigation.
Torode’s sacking was announced shortly after after the racism complaint was upheld.