How Gregg Wallace and John Torode's last MasterChef series will be different after sacking

Yahoo

23-07-2025

The last MasterChef series starring sacked presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace will be aired but edited differently, it has been reported.
Torode, who celebrated turning 60 on Wednesday, was dismissed after an allegation that he used an "extremely offensive racist language" was upheld; he denies the claim. It emerged in the same Lewis Silkin report that upheld 45 out of 83 allegations about Gregg Wallace's inappropriate behaviour on set, claims which also saw him axed.
The majority of complaints relating to Wallace referred to sexual language and humour. BBC ruled it would be "untenable" for the presenter to return to his job on MasterChef and Wallace apologised for "any distress caused" and said he "never set out to harm or humiliate".
Axed presenters Torode and Wallace will both feature in the upcoming series of MasterChef but the series will look different to usual, it has been reported. The food show will serve up a focus on the contestants rather than putting too much emphasis on its presenters, the PA news agency has reported.
Why MasterChef with Gregg Wallace and John Torode is airing
BBC said airing the final series with Wallace and Torode was the "right thing" to do for the amateur chefs taking part in the competition because it can be life-changing for them. You only have to look at the winner of the 2005 series, Thomasina Miers, and how she went on to start the Wahaca restaurant chain. There are plenty of examples where the show has propelled the chef's career forward.
A BBC 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.
"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."
MasterChef's future
MasterChef will return to our screens on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August. It celebrated its 20th series last year.
BBC director-general Tim Davie said that there is an appetite for MasterChef and that the show has a future beyond its sacked presenters.
He said: "I absolutely think it does [have a future], I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show."
Celebrity MasterChef and the Christmas special have been shelved. Plans are expected to be announced later this year.