Latest news with #MasterchefUK
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."
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Gregg Wallace BANNED from BBC in scathing letter accusing presenter of using autism as excuse amid sex misconduct claims
GREGG Wallace was formally sacked by the BBC today - citing 'learned behaviour' as the reason for his axing. The report concludes that Gregg, who was diagnosed as autistic midway through the investigation into complaints against him, is unable to change his ways. 3 3 The findings, seen by the presenter, also references reputational damage to the corporation in light of comments he has made about them since he was taken off air. Last night a source said: 'Gregg received his letter telling him his Masterchef job was gone and that, effectively, his 21 year tenure at the BBC is also over. "He's obviously in a pretty bad way, and hasn't been sleeping at all these past few days. But he's also incredibly angry, and feels his autism has been used against him - production company are basically saying he is incapable of change. "'Learned behaviour' - presumably from his years down the markets as a greengrocer - was given as a main factor for his inappropriate actions and language. "But given that a different production first raised concerns about his neurodivergence in 2018, and the word 'odd' also appears through the 200 page report against him, he feels his autism is being used against him. 'The report states the company has a duty of care towards both him and the public - as well as contributors and crew - and that it is clear he 'struggles to distinguish the boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.' They therefore say they cannot guarantee a safe working environment if he is on a show. 'He is really angry the complaints against him came before he was put on a course in 2019. He therefore feels they are discriminating against his autism; that effectively they cannot accommodate a disabled person.' The Sun can reveal Gregg's clinical team proposed clear accommodations, shared directly with the BBC, outlining how a supportive environment could be achieved. He believes the BBC have chosen to ignore this. This latest development comes after this newspaper revealed on Tuesday that the star was to be fired, with the seven month report into 30 historic complaints due to be published imminently. The star has taken on bullish lawyer Dan Morrison - the man who represented Nigel Farage against NatWest. He could now take Banijay and the BBC to tribunal. Gregg has hosted Masterchef alongside John Torode since 2005 and has also fronted other BBC programmes including Inside the Factory and Supermarket Secrets. In late 2024, it was reported that the BBC had been made aware of complaints as far back as 2017, while it was claimed that a letter had been sent to the broadcaster in 2022 stating that women had been made to feel 'uncomfortable' in his presence. However, he has been cleared of a number of the most serious allegations, including those against high profile complainants including Kirsty Wark and Penny Lancaster. While Gregg angrily slammed the BBC in his Instagram post on Monday, promising 'not to go quietly', the BBC have been keen to distance themselves from the presenter, saying he was not technically an employee.
