BBC to Broadcast MasterChef Featuring Dismissed Hosts

BBC Decides to Air Unaired MasterChef Series Despite Hosts’ Sacking

The BBC has confirmed that the unaired season of MasterChef recorded before Gregg Wallace and John Torode were removed from the show will air as planned. This decision comes after allegations of misconduct against both hosts were upheld, raising questions about whether the pre-recorded episodes would ever be shown.

The series, which was filmed in late 2024, is scheduled to begin airing on BBC One and iPlayer on 6 August. A spokesperson for the BBC stated, “After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef.” The corporation acknowledged that not everyone will agree with this choice, but emphasized that it was made with the best interests of the contestants in mind.

“The decision to broadcast the series does not in any way diminish our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters,” the statement continued. “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.”

Allegations Against Gregg Wallace and John Torode

On 14 July, a report upheld 45 allegations of misconduct against Wallace, including one involving unwelcome physical contact. The following day, it was announced that Torode, his co-host of 20 years, had also been sacked from the long-running cookery show after an allegation of racist language was substantiated during the investigation into Wallace’s behavior.

Wallace expressed deep regret for any distress caused, while Torode claimed he had no recollection of the alleged remark. The BBC apologized to “everyone who has been impacted by Mr. Wallace’s behavior” and admitted that “opportunities were missed to address” his conduct. “We accept more could and should have been done sooner,” the broadcaster said.

Before being removed from the show, Wallace had stepped away in November 2024, and Torode went on to film Celebrity MasterChef with Grace Dent as well as two Christmas specials. Now, the search is underway to find replacements for both hosts, with potential contenders including Nigella Lawson, Tom Kerridge, and Big Zuu.

Concerns Over Canceling the Series

Prior to the allegations being upheld, BBC director-general Tim Davie had voiced concerns about canceling the pre-recorded regular version of the series. He noted that the amateur chefs who participated “gave a lot of time” to shoot the episodes. “It means a lot; it can be an enormous break if you come through the show,” Davie said. “So, I want to just reflect on that with the team and make a decision and we’ll communicate that in due course.”

More than half of the 83 allegations against Wallace were upheld, including one of unwelcome physical contact and several instances of inappropriate sexual language and being in a state of undress. Seventy-eight witnesses provided evidence, with the “vast majority (94 per cent)” of the allegations dating back to between 2005 and 2018.

Wallace faced multiple accusations, including making inappropriate sexual jokes, asking for the phone numbers of female production staff, and behaving unprofessionally around female colleagues on set. He denied the allegations and vowed to “not go quietly” after being dropped by the broadcaster, who said his MasterChef return is “untenable.”

Investigation and Reactions

Patrick Holland, chief executive of MasterChef production company Banijay UK, acknowledged that “escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been.” He added, “We are extremely sorry to anyone who has been impacted by this behavior and felt unable to speak up at the time or that their complaint was not adequately addressed.”

Karen Baxter, a partner and head of investigations at Lewis Silkin, who oversaw the seven-month investigation, highlighted the relevance of Wallace’s autism diagnosis in the context of the findings. She noted that his use of humor as a “masking” technique and difficulty in reading social cues played a role in some of the incidents.

Baxter added, “Mr. Wallace accepts that his diagnosis may help to explain some of his actions, but he does not wish to hide behind it.” It was found that Wallace “was consistently described as energetic, humorous, and generally able to put contestants at ease” – but that some of these interactions and comments “made within earshot of contestants or colleagues sometimes resulted in offense and/or left people feeling uncomfortable.”