New BBC MasterChef series with Gregg Wallace and John Torode will air on TV next month

Daily Record

23-07-2025

The series was filmed before allegations against both BBC hosts were made.
Greg Wallace and John Torode will appear in one last series of MasterChef which will air on the BBC. The series, which was filmed last year before allegations against Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld, will be available from August 6, the corporation has said.
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A spokesperson for the BBC said the decision was made "after careful consideration" and said it "no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters".
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'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," a spokesperson said. "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.
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'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.
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'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.
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'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.'
BBC and Banijay UK want to air the final two series featuring the two hosts "when the dust settles".
Wallace's role on MasterChef became "untenable" after 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour were upheld following a seven-month investigation.
Torode was later cut from the show after he confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language. John said he had no memory of making the comment.