BBC will air ‘MasterChef' series presented by sacked co-hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode

Irish Independent

4 days ago

The show will air from August 6, but the broadcaster has suggested that the former co-hosts' screen time will be minimised as much as possible.
The decision comes after the future of the season – filmed last autumn – had been thrown into doubt following the release of an official report that upheld 45 complaints about Wallace's conduct at work.
The independent legal review, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, also resulted in Torode (60) being fired from the show after a complaint that he used 'highly offensive' racist language was upheld.
The BBC said its decision to air the latest series, which was supposed to be broadcast in February but was delayed due to the inquiry, followed 'careful consideration and consultation with the contestants'.
It is understood that the broadcaster has edited the series in light of the findings to 're-examine' the prominence of Wallace (60) and Torode, who have fronted MasterChef since its 2005 reboot.
The focus is more likely to be put on the amateur chef contestants, according to BBC News.
A BBC spokesperson said on Wednesday: '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.'
The independent review into behaviour on MasterChef began in November and was triggered by allegations about Wallace published by The Telegraph and BBC News.
The report upheld complaints related to inappropriate and sexually explicit comments, 'being in a state of undress' on three occasions, and one instance of unwanted physical contact.
Other substantiated allegations included bullying and making culturally insensitive or racist comments.
Wallace issued an apology after the report was published, saying he was 'deeply sorry for any distress caused', but that modern broadcasting has 'become a dangerous place' for 'working-class men with a direct manner'.
He said that 'none of the serious allegations against me were upheld', and added that 'some of my humour and language missed the mark'.
'I never set out to harm or humiliate.'
The celebrity chef and former greengrocer, who has argued that his late diagnosis of autism affected his behaviour, said: 'There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people.'
Torode is accused of using a racial slur during after-show drinks in 2018. He said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation.