Latest news with #BBCcontroversy
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC accused of tarnishing Steve Wright's legacy, as colleague and friend savages corporation over late Radio 2 legend's treatment
A colleague and friend of Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright has accused the BBC of tarnishing his legacy and mistreating the star in the lead up to his death. Wright, 69, died from a ruptured stomach ulcer in February last year, according to his death certificate, leaving thousands of fans of the beloved radio personality heartbroken. His colleague Anthony James, who worked on the music on Steve Wright in the Afternoon and Steve Wright's Sunday Love Songs, has said he is unhappy with the BBC's handling of his friend's career - both before and after his death. In 2022, Wright was axed from the BBC, despite the success of his show being 'through the roof'. The star admitted to James that he had been told of its cancellation and sworn to secrecy by the corporation nine months beforehand. However, he believed he had been reassured by Helen Thomas, the head of BBC Radio 2, that the show would continue via a new digital channel. When the months went by with no word on this, Wright was said to have approached director-general Tim Davie, who allegedly told Wright: 'I can't believe she fired you… I wouldn't have fired you myself.' The BBC has denied this. James claimed the axing of Steve Wright in the Afternoon was part of a move by the BBC to ban broadcasters considered too 'pale, male and stale'. He told The Telegraph: 'They thought that this idea of personality is old style; it's not cool anymore, we should make Radio 2 cool. 'But who gives a s*** about cool? It's about being entertained.' James claimed the effect of the sacking on Wright's physical and mental health was devastating. 'He didn't really stop to accept it. I think it ate him up,' he said. 'It got worse, and his health got worse.' Later this month, BBC Radio 2 will broadcast a tribute concert for Wright in his memory. Thomas previously wrote to James last year, seeking permission to play his music in a BBC tribute concert for Wright. He initially agreed, but later told Thomas he did not plan to attend. In the week before the concert, she allegedly suggested the event would be a good opportunity to network. 'This is not about networking. This is about a tribute to my friend,' James said. James believes the last-minute push to honour Wright was driven by concern that his absence would 'look bad' for the BBC. The BBC said in a statement: 'Steve was deeply loved by the Radio 2 family and listeners, and we all miss him dearly. For almost three decades he hosted a raft of brilliant shows on the network. 'Steve's Sunday Love Songs had been on air since 1996 and he was excited to take on the legendary Pick of the Pops alongside a variety of specials on Radio 2 including Steve Wright: The Best of the Guests, Steve Wright's Summer Nights and Steve Wright's Love Songs Extra on BBC Sounds.'
ABC News
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
BBC to air latest Masterchef UK series featuring Gregg Wallace, John Torode
The BBC has decided to broadcast the latest season of Masterchef UK, despite it featuring sacked hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode. In a statement, a spokesperson for the broadcaster said it had made the decision to air the latest series on its flagship channel and streaming platform "after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants". "This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it." Mr Wallace and MrTorode, who had presented the show since 2005, were sacked after a review into complaints made against Mr Wallace. The report upheld 45 of the 83 complaints against Mr Wallace, including that he had used inappropriate sexual language and humour, had been in a state of undress, and in one instance had made unwelcome physical contact. While he apologised for "inappropriate" humour and language, the prominent British television personality also said he had been cleared of the "the serious allegations" against him. The report also upheld a complaint against Mr Torode that he had made a racist comment while working on the program seven years ago. Mr Torode said he had "absolutely no recollection" of making the comment and added that he did "not believe it that it happened". The Masterchef saga has reignited debate around the BBC's handling of misconduct cases. In its statement on Wednesday local time, the public broadcaster's spokesperson added that "broadcasting this series is the right thing to do" for the contestants. "We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series." It added that no decision had been made on whether to air a Christmas special and celebrity series which were filmed earlier this year. "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," the BBC spokesperson said. The amateur series will air from August 6 on the BBC's primary domestic channel, BBC One, as well as its iPlayer service. 'Most importantly MasterChef is a brilliant, much-loved program which is bigger than any one individual," the spokesperson said. "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."
