BBC MasterChef series featuring Gregg Wallace and John Torode will air on TV after serious allegations

The final amateur series of MasterChef featuring Greg Wallace and John Torode will be airing on the BBC. The series, which was filmed last year before allegations against Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld, will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from August 6, the corporation said.

A spokesperson for the BBC said the decision was made "after careful consideration" and said it "no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters."

“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," a spokesperson said. "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.

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“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," they 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. 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.”

Gregg Wallace’s position on MasterChef became "untenable" after 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour were upheld following a seven-month investigation.

John Torode was later axed from the show after he confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language. John said he had no memory of making the comment. Torode said he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened” by the allegation.

In November 2024, it was revealed that Gregg would be stepping down from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. He issued an apology saying he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and that he “never set out to harm or humiliate”.

It was then revealed that Grace Dent would be stepping in as a judge for Celebrity MasterChef 2025, which she filmed alongside John Torode.

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