BBC issues huge MasterChef announcement after Torode and Wallace axing

The future of MasterChef has been confirmed by BBC following the axings of John Torode and Gregg Wallace.

The amateur series of MasterChef 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 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.

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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."

The BBC ended their statement by saying: "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 decision comes after the corporation faced a dilemma about whether to air a newly filmed celebrity and amateur series and a Christmas special, all of which starred both Wallace, Torode, or both.

One former MasterChef worker suggested it would show "a real lack of respect" to people like her, but reports also claimed that amateur chefs who took part of the series, as well as the crew, would be disappointed if the series didn't air, with one contestant previously saying the show was "life-changing" for them.

On July 14, a report held by independent law firm Lewis Silkins upheld 45 out of 83 misconduct allegations against Wallace, including one of unwanted physical contact, and it was confirmed he would be dropped from the show. He has denied the allegations

Torode was also axed after facing an allegation of racist language, which was substantiated by the report into Wallace's investigation. He also refutes this and denies any memory of the incident.