BBC launches investigation into Strictly stars' ‘cocaine use'
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Wales Online
34 minutes ago
- Wales Online
MasterChef viewers notice one thing about John Torode and Gregg Wallace in show's return
MasterChef viewers notice one thing about John Torode and Gregg Wallace in show's return MasterChef is back on our screens with John Torode and Gregg Wallace at the helm, but a body language expert noticed something quite specific in the first episode John Torode and Gregg Wallace (Image: BBC) Gregg Wallace and John Torode displayed a lack of 'on-screen chemistry' during the opening episode of MasterChef since the presenters were removed from the programme, according to a body language expert. MasterChef makes its return to television tonight following numerous weeks of controversy surrounding Torode and Wallace. Wallace was removed from the series after legal firm Lewis Silkin supported 45 out of 85 complaints made against him regarding inappropriate conduct. Whilst the 60-year-old has acknowledged using unsuitable language on occasions, he refutes the more severe accusations. Meanwhile, co-presenter Torode did not have his contract renewed with Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, following allegations that he employed racist language during an inquiry into his former colleague's conduct, reports the Mirror. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . He maintained he had no recollection of making such remarks and denies the incident occurred. This follows reports that Gregg Wallace is attempting to 'earn a living' following his MasterChef departure amid a 'battle every day'. With MasterChef returning to our screens, body language specialist Judi James examined the 'spatial distance' between the pair. She tells us: "Torode and Wallace are not really presented as a double act here, more like two experts with little in the way of close communication or synchronicity. "Gregg is clearly the bigger character on screen, throwing his arms open and bending his knees to welcome the competitors while John stands quietly with his hands clasped in front of his torso. "Gregg seems to be the one interviewing the contestants in a chatty, animated style while they cook, while John is shown as a more serious-looking presence with little if anything in the way of show-boating." Judi went on: "Nothing seems to hinge on any on-screen chemistry between the stars and any interaction there is seems to be either shot with a spatial distance at a table or in the style of one commenting solo to the camera while the other is filmed doing the reaction shots. "Most of their screen time seems to be doing individual pieces to camera. There's no telling connection like playfulness or even eye contact with each other. This seems to be ostensibly like two professional experts doing their own thing on the same programme." The BBC faced criticism for their choice to broadcast this new series featuring both Gregg and John. They released a statement, which 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. Article continues below "This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances, and we appreciate that 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."
Daily Record
35 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Top female BBC star at centre of 'nude scandal' after showing X-rated pic to junior colleague
The unnamed BBC star, who allegedly showed the unsolicited nude snap to a junior colleague, is said to be one of the highest earners in the Beeb this year. A well known female star on the BBC has reportedly been involved in a shocking scandal after allegedly showing an unsolicited nude snap to a junior colleague which comes as the latest controversy under the broadcaster's watch. According to The Sun, the presenter, who has not yet been named, is said to be a high earner in the company and ranked in the Corporation's top 50 highest paid this year. The unnamed star allegedly showed a graphic image of a nude man's genitals on her phone during a conversation about personal preferences, leaving the recipient 'completely horrified". The identity of the male in the snap remains unknown but insiders claim the interaction was intended as 'jokey, locker-room banter". However, the situation took an uncomfortable turn and is said to have left the junior staff member in tears. A source described the scandal as a "ticking time bomb". They warned: 'As soon as the name of this woman - and details of her bad behaviour - are unleashed, it will derail entire departments and mark the first female to be formally swept up into the BBC's wrongdoing roll call. "The woman asked the young producer if she liked 'd*** pics' and then showed her a picture on her mobile phone. "It was meant to be jokey, locker-room type banter, but the woman was completely horrified and cried about it. 'No one minds a bit of office banter, but this was on another level. She felt like it was an intentionally shocking move to intimidate, veiled as a joke. It was way too much. 'The woman had to apologise to the girl. It's double standards, but somehow a woman being involved in showing d**k pics feels much more offensive than a male. "The release of her name would be seismic.' This would mark the first time a female BBC star has been swept into the broadcaster's growing list of controversies. The alleged incident adds to the BBC's growing pile of scandals with the Beeb still recovering from heavily reported misconduct claims involving other high-profile stars. These include MasterChef hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode, who were recently axed following an investigation into their behaviour behind the scenes. Earlier this year, former newsreader Huw Edwards admitted to multiple charges relating to indecent images and was handed a suspended prison sentence. The BBC responded to the latest scandal by saying: "While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Even flagship shows such as Strictly Come Dancing have not escaped scrutiny. The BBC dance show faced a major shake up after allegations against ex-professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were raised, both of whom have now been replaced. Earlier this year, former BBC radio host Russell Brand was also charged with rape, indecent assault and sexual assault between 1999 and 2005. This triggered a wider inquiry into institutional safeguarding failures during his time with the broadcaster in the 2000s. All of these scandals, which span across news, entertainment, and reality formats, have prompted repeated calls for reform, with critics calling for greater transparency and accountability from the publicly funded media giant.
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
BBC Death in Paradise star lands role in high-stakes thriller alongside Doctor Who actress
BBC Death in Paradise star lands role in high-stakes thriller alongside Doctor Who actress A number of famous faces will be joining the season 2 cast of the returning drama. Ella Purnell leads the cast (Image: Sky) The gripping serial killer series Sweetpea is set to return for a second season, boasting an impressive ensemble of actors. The 'darkly comic' Sky show has welcomed aboard talent from Netflix's Heartstopper and the BBC's Death in Paradise. Ella Purnell, renowned for her performances in Fallout and Yellowjackets, will reprise her role as protagonist Rhiannon Lewis. The forthcoming season's plot hints at a thrilling ride: "Navigating a new promotion, an irresistible rebound, Marina still hot on her trail, her sister selling her family home and a copycat killer threatening to expose her, the kill list is mounting. "But now that she's harnessed her rage and found her power, Rhiannon is forced to question whether her perfect ex, AJ, was right: is she a monster?" Taj Atwal will star in the new series (Image: BBC) Sky has announced that Tamsin Greig, celebrated for her roles in Green Wing and Friday Night Dinner, will feature in Sweetpea's second season as the mother of AJ (Calam Lynch), reports the Manchester Evening News. Taj Atwal, known for her appearances in Death in Paradise and Line of Duty, is set to portray Rhiannon's manager, Freya. Last year, Taj portrayed Zoe Ainsworth on Death in Paradise, a character whose entrance had a profound effect on DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little). Additionally, Rish Shah from Overcompensating joins the cast as Rhiannon's newest romantic interest, while Jenny Walser of Heartstopper fame will play Daisy, Rhiannon's 'adoring' friend. The returning cast for the new season includes Jon Pointing from Big Boys, Jeremy Swift of Ted Lasso fame, and Doctor Who's Ingrid Oliver. The star appeared in Death in Paradise last year (Image: BBC) Executive producers Ella Purnell, Ella Jones and Patrick Walters expressed their excitement about the upcoming season in a statement, which read: "We are thrilled that Sweetpea and the world of Carnsham are back in full swing for season 2, with new and exciting characters for what promises to be an intoxicating ride for Rhiannon as she continuous on her murderous journey. "This season, the stakes are even higher, and as the consequences of her actions begin to close in, questions of morality and justice will come into play." Meghan Lyvers, who heads up Sky UK and Ireland's scripted originals, also shared her enthusiasm saying: "We are delighted to return with some fan favourites and to introduce a brilliant new cast of such high calibre. "Sweetpea's second season will be packed with wickedly funny moments, dynamic storytelling and, as ever, twisted morality." Article continues below Sky has yet to confirm a release date for the second season of Sweetpea. Sweetpea season 1 is available to watch on Sky and NOW.
