Nearly a million viewers tune out of MasterChef after scandal-hit show makes controversial return
SHOW COOKED Nearly a million viewers tune out of MasterChef after scandal-hit show makes controversial return
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MASTERCHEF'S controversial return has cost it nearly a million viewers, figures show.
Just 1.96million watched the first episode of Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series — down from 2.7m for last year's launch show.
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A million viewers tuned out of Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final Masterchef series
Credit: BBC
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Wallace was fired after multiple complaints were upheld, including his use of inappropriate sexual language
Credit: BBC
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Torode was sacked after it was claimed he had used a racist term
Credit: BBC
The shamed co-presenters, both 60, were fired last month after a report into conduct on the BBC cookery show upheld allegations against them.
It sparked widespread calls for the latest series — filmed before Wallace and Torode were sacked — to be cancelled.
The first three episodes were released on iPlayer on Wednesday morning, with fans noting a lack of Wallace and Torode's trademark banter with contestants.
The opener was then broadcast on BBC One later that evening at 8pm.
Overnight figures show a large drop in viewers.
However 2024's opener was screened on a bank holiday in April, when more people are usually at home watching TV.
Wallace was fired after multiple complaints were upheld, including his use of inappropriate sexual language.
Torode was then also sacked after it was claimed he had used a racist term
BBC bosses decided to show the latest series because the amateur chefs 'gave their heart and soul' to it.
However one revealed she was edited out after she called for its cancellation.
BBC botches bid to edit out sacked duo Gregg Wallace & John Torode from new Masterchef amid calls to axe scandal-hit show
Broadcast union Bectu said showing the episodes could be 'triggering' for people who had complaints upheld.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also said this week she would not be watching.
Wallace, furious at his treatment, previously revealed he would not be tuning in.
Asked by The Sun if he will watch it, he said: 'No, no, no, no, never. I'm hurt.
"I don't want anything to do with telly. I don't want anything to do with the BBC."
Blades repeats 'on ice'
By Ellie Henman
THE BBC is to stop showing programmes featuring rape-accused presenter Jay Blades.
A source said bosses would do so 'out of respect and consideration to everyone involved'.
They said repeats of The Repair Shop and any other programmes he appears in were 'on ice'.
Blades, 55, is due to appear before magistrates next week charged with two rapes.
He is awaiting trial on a separate charge of controlling and coercive behaviour against estranged wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen, which he denies.
He stepped back from The Repair Shop, which he hosted since 2017, after his arrest last May.
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