The BBC will proceed with broadcasting the amateur series of “MasterChef” on BBC One and BBC iPlayer starting Aug. 6, despite misconduct findings against presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
In a statement released by the corporation, a BBC spokesperson acknowledged the difficult decision, saying the network made the choice “after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants.”
“‘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,” the spokesperson said.
The series in question was filmed last year, before the misconduct allegations against Wallace and Torode came to light. The BBC emphasized that airing the show “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,” the statement continued.
The decision comes as the broadcaster weighs the impact on contestants who participated in the competition. “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 recognized and give the audience the choice to watch the series,” the spokesperson explained.
However, the fate of other “MasterChef” programming remains uncertain. The BBC has not yet decided whether to air the celebrity series and Christmas special, which were filmed earlier this year. The broadcaster said it will “confirm our plans later in the year” regarding those productions.
Looking ahead, the BBC expressed confidence in the franchise’s future. “Most importantly ‘MasterChef’ is a brilliant, much-loved program 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 announcement follows a comprehensive seven-month Lewis Silkin investigation that substantiated 45 allegations against Wallace spanning from 2005 to 2024, leading to his dismissal from the show. Torode’s contract was also terminated after investigators upheld an allegation that he used racist language in 2018, though the celebrity chef maintains he has no recollection of the incident and does not believe it happened.