logo
MasterChef series filmed last year to be broadcast in August, BBC confirms

MasterChef series filmed last year to be broadcast in August, BBC confirms

A decision on airing the celebrity series and Christmas special has not been decided, with plans to be confirmed later in the year, the BBC said.
Both presenters will still feature in the upcoming series, but the edit will be looked at in light of the findings of an investigation, with focus being given to the contestants, the PA news agency understands.
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.'
The statement followed news last week that Torode's contract on MasterChef would not be renewed, as confirmed by the BBC and production company Banijay UK.
Torode, who celebrated his 60th birthday on Wednesday, confirmed he was the subject of an allegation about using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace.
Torode said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation.
In November 2024, Banijay UK, announced Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.
Wallace issued an apology saying he was 'deeply sorry for any distress caused' and that he 'never set out to harm or humiliate' in the wake of the Lewis Silkin review that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld.
It concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also substantiated.
BBC director-general Tim Davie presented the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report last week and insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out.
'I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals', he said.
'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.'
Torode began presenting the BBC cooking contest alongside Wallace in 2005.
The duo celebrated the show's 20th anniversary in 2024 with a special dinner at Fishmongers' Hall in London with the semi-finalists of MasterChef series 20 delivering a three-course feast to food critics and top chefs.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MasterChef with Gregg Wallace and John Torode loses nearly 1m viewers
MasterChef with Gregg Wallace and John Torode loses nearly 1m viewers

Metro

time21 minutes ago

  • Metro

MasterChef with Gregg Wallace and John Torode loses nearly 1m viewers

The latest season of MasterChef, hosted by fired presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace, has been dealt a huge viewership blow. The first three episodes of the pre-recorded season, which the BBC ultimately decided to air despite the misconduct scandal, are available to watch on iPlayer, and new episodes are airing on BBC One at 8pm. The series, which premiered yesterday, underwent last-minute editing to focus on the amateur chefs over the recently sacked hosts – as well as cut out one of the cooks who spoke out against the series being released. Fans shared their conflicted thoughts about the new series with some believing it was the right thing to give the contestants their chance to shine despite the troubled backdrop. Many online, however, also vowed to boycott the new series which will be the final one helmed by both Wallace and Torode now they are being replaced. This decision seems to have translated to viewership as the BBC News reports just under two million people (1.96m to be exact) tuned into last night's episode. This is a significant drop from last year's premiere which saw 2.7 million viewers watch overnight – although there could be other factors at play including the differing release window and general move away from linear TV watching. Especially as the episodes are also available online already. Critics shared that the feel of this new season does feel different to episodes that have come before. The Evening Standard called it an 'absolute mess' and The Telegraph said it 'lacked pizzazz'. Although The Guardian shared that, for the most part, it seems unchanged. 'It seems the BBC and Banijay have decided essentially to ignore the problem and hope that putting out more or less the same show as ever will suffice,' the review wrote. Wallace – against whom 45 out of 83 allegations were substantiated in the Silkins review including a case of 'unwanted physical contact – was suspended during the filming of this season with Irish chef Anna Haugh stepping in for the final episode. More Trending The 60-year-old TV personality was officially removed from the show last month with his co-host following after him after a racial language accusation was upheld against him. There is no word on whether the BBC plans to release the Torode Celebrity MasterChef season with Grace Dent or the two festival specials he is set to feature in will still be released. The BBC is also yet to officially announce who will replace the pair, although it is believed to be Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt and Great British Menu's Andi Oliver. MasterChef airs tomorrow night at 8:30pm on BBC One and returns for the final three episodes next week. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Destination X's casting decisions are holding it back from success MORE: Peaky Blinders boss's award-winning BBC series axed after just 6 episodes MORE: Gladiators star Steel announces challenge in memory of son who died after 13 days

Katie Price to move into 'gorgeous' mansion after being forced to leave property
Katie Price to move into 'gorgeous' mansion after being forced to leave property

Daily Mirror

time21 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Katie Price to move into 'gorgeous' mansion after being forced to leave property

Katie Price announced earlier this year that she was looking for somewhere else to live and it's now been confirmed that she's waiting to move into a new home at the moment Reality TV star Katie Price has confirmed that she's in the process of moving house. It comes weeks after she shared that her landlord was considering selling the home in Sussex that she's been renting since she left the Mucky Mansion. Katie, 47, had sparked concerns that she could end up homeless after saying that she had been struggling to find a guarantor to rent somewhere else to live. It's however now been announced that she has since found a new home. She shared the news on the latest episode of her podcast and there's speculation about the property this week too. It comes after Katie Price worries fans with appearance in family photo after explaining weight loss. She confirmed on the Katie Price Show, in an episode released today, that she's waiting to move into the new property. Katie teased that her partner JJ Slater, 33, had been helping her take measurements for her furniture. Talking about her recent activities, Katie told her sister Sophie Price, 35, on the podcast: "Measured the stuff at the new house for all the new furniture." The former glamour model then described the property as "gorgeous". She added: "We just went and measured up for [the new furniture]." Her sister Sophie, who co-hosts the podcast, went on to ask whether it's just a new sofa that she will be getting, to which Katie responded: "Everything new." Elsewhere on the podcast, Katie teased that she is already looking forward to the winter months, which would be spent in her new home. She shared her excitement over getting to decorate for Christmas in the coming months. According to the Sun, Katie is moving into a £4,500 a month mansion. It reports that she secured a guarantor with just days to spare and the outlet claims that she needed to provide £5,192 for the deposit for the long-term rental. It further reports that the house is a three-bedroom barn conversation. The property, described as rural, is said to have features such as floor-to-ceiling windows, vaulted ceilings and a wood-burning stove located inside a brick fireplace. The news that Katie has found a new home comes after she previously shared that she could end up looking for somewhere to live on her podcast last month. She said: "I think I've got to move house because I think the guy wants to sell my house now so I've got to go on the house hunt again." In a later episode, which was also released last month, Katie spoke about struggling with her efforts to find somewhere to live. She recalled her current landlord having let her have the home she's leaving even without a guarantor. She said: "I've been on time with all the payments, as you should, and bills and everything, but now he wants to sell it." Katie added: "Some houses I look at, like, I can't get a guarantor because some people don't earn money like me to be a guarantor." Katie said that she had found a house owned by someone who wanted six months' rent up front in case she misses a payment but who also wanted a guarantor. She said that was despite having the "best" reference from her landlord. The reality TV star, who has previously been declared bankrupt, said that she gets "judged" on stories about her. Sophie reassured her, saying: "Nowadays with renting, they are asking for more, aren't they? It's more competitive." Katie, who was declared bankrupt in 2019 and then for a second time last year, said: "The truth is like, people don't realise, I got in all that bankruptcy stuff not because I didn't want to pay [but because] I had a breakdown. [...] But I'm not like that now."

BBC to air film about The Vivienne after drag star's death
BBC to air film about The Vivienne after drag star's death

Wales Online

timean hour ago

  • Wales Online

BBC to air film about The Vivienne after drag star's death

BBC to air film about The Vivienne after drag star's death "Although she left us far too soon her life was defined by her breathtaking talent, scene-stealing charisma, and infinite kindness" The Vivienne passed away in January at the age of 32 (Image: PA) A tribute film about drag queen The Vivienne is set to air this summer. The BBC has announced the feature film, Dear Viv, will chronicle the life of James Lee Williams, who performed as the drag queen and tragically passed away in January at the age of 32. A coroner ruled that the performer's death was by misadventure when Williams suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest after taking ketamine, PA reports. The star gained prominence after clinching victory in the first ever series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019 and securing third place in the 2023 series of Dancing On Ice. Williams, who was raised in Colwyn Bay, adopted the drag name as they were renowned for donning Vivienne Westwood clothing. Through a mix of interviews, family photos, home videos and behind-the-scenes Drag Race footage, the film will commemorate The Vivienne's life, tracing their journey from north Wales and Liverpool to the international stage. The film will also feature interviews with Williams' family, early mentors and Drag Race friends including Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli and Danny Beard. Tia Kofi will also appear in the film alongside Cheryl Hole, Raja, Monet X Change, and Trinity The Tuck, as they pay homage to the drag star. The film also addresses the star's self-admitted struggle with ketamine addiction and the campaigning carried out by The Vivienne's sister, Chanel Williams, who advocates for improved awareness around the dangers of the drug. Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, co-founders of World of Wonder, who produced the film, said: "We wanted to celebrate The Vivienne and not just mourn her. The Vivienne was best known for Drag Race UK, which she won in 2019 (Image: BBC) "Although she left us far too soon her life was defined by her breathtaking talent, scene-stealing charisma, and infinite kindness. "We hope her vision and her voice shine through in Dear Viv and that it inspires everyone who watches it. "Although producing it was bittersweet, we are so grateful to friends and family for trusting us to tell The Vivienne's story. Above all, we hope Viv loves the film as much as we loved her." Nasfim Haque, the head of content for BBC Three added: "Dear Viv is a fitting tribute to The Vivienne who truly was a trailblazer in the world of drag. She showcased her artistry and talent brilliantly and paved the way for many to follow in her footsteps". Article continues below The hour-long documentary, Dear Viv, will be available to watch on BBC Three and iPlayer from August 28.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store