New MasterChef series sees BBC make big change that viewers will spot straight away

Wales Online

5 days ago

New MasterChef series sees BBC make big change that viewers will spot straight away
Gregg Wallace and John Torode have been sacked by the BBC and it shows
Despite their good rapport, they insist their relationship remains strictly professional.
(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
I haven't watched MasterChef for years, not because I stopped being a fan of the show, but more because I got quite bored of the same format. Contestants look stressed, make a meal, we question whether or not they'll do it in time, they inevitably do and all the while John Torode and Gregg Wallace make light-hearted banter with the amateur chefs.
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However, I thought I'd give the new season a go. With controversy surrounding the show following numerous allegations made against Gregg and a racism accusation against John, I thought to myself 'what will the BBC air of the dismissed co-hosts?'
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To answer my own question, it seems very little. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
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Following rumours that the pre-recorded series wouldn't see the light of day, many fans of the show are questioning whether or not to watch the new season. One person shared on X: " So today's decision (as a big MasterChef fan) is do I watch or not?"
Upon watching the new season myself, I noticed one big thing that differed from past episodes of the show, there's a distinct lack of interaction between the hosts and the contestants.
It seems like the usual banter we have seen in the past from John and Gregg with contestant is no more, after bosses reportedly made a last-minute effort to re-edit the programme and reduce screen time for its hosts.
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The duo have hosted the show together since 2005, and they have always bounced off of each other when it comes to their presenting duties.
However, in the new edit it seems like their conversations are more structured and only surround opinions on the food, I mean it is a show about cooking after all.
If anything it seems like, they've really cut back on Gregg's dialogue perhaps due to the severity of his accusations. Whereas, John seems to have more air time, and more time speaking to the contestants in comparison to the former green grocer.
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The BBC chose to proceed with broadcasting the latest pre-recorded series despite objections from broadcasting union Bectu, which argued that inappropriate conduct should not be "rewarded with prime-time coverage".
Insiders at the BBC reportedly informed The i, that they acknowledge some viewers may choose not to watch the series.
Regarding their choice to broadcast the new series, the BBC stated: "This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it.
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"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."
Personally, I prefer this edit and shake up to the show.
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It makes it feel more fast paced, and really focuses on the chefs and food which is the true purpose of the show, rather than the stars presenting it.