MasterChef returned to screens tonight for the 21st series and viewers were quick to take to social media to give their opinion following the recent controversy involving John Torode and Gregg Wallace, who have hosted the show since 2005. The most recent series featuring the two presenters was filmed last summer and the BBC has now decided that it is the “right thing to do” to have the show air on BBC One after much debate.
The first six hopeful chefs arrived in the MasterChef kitchen ready to tackle a whole host of culinary challenges. Fans were quick to notice that the new series has been heavily edited to take a more in-depth focus on the contestants rather than the presenters.
Taking to social media, one viewer noticed: “They’ve edited it to give them the least amount of TV time as possible.” Other viewers appeared to notice a “weird vibe” as the show was visibly different to usual, cutting out any banter between Gregg and John that we’d usually see on-screen.
On X, one fan wrote: “I’m watching MasterChef because I’m a real foodie. But it has got a bit of a weird vibe now after what’s happened.”
After a short introduction to the new series, John announced the first challenge as he instructed the contestants to transform an everyday humble ingredient and elevate it into something brilliant.
Despite the ongoing controversy behind the scenes, some viewers managed to see the new series on a more positive note and were glad that the contestants’ time and effort has finally seen the light of day on TV.
On social media, one fan said: “Great that #MasterChef is on the TV. Let these amateur chefs have their bit of limelight.” A second agreed: “I’m glad they’re showing #MasterChef – after all the hard work they’ve put in, it’s only fair on the contestants that it’s aired. If you’re upset by Gregg and John…. don’t watch – simple.”
A third said: “Well done to the BBC for deciding to show the current series of #MasterChef Good of you to give viewers the choice to watch or switch off.”
Another also added: “The right decision to screen #masterchef for the sake of all the contestants’ hard work, and appearances of previous contestants.”
The BBC made the decision to broadcast the footage from the latest series and they announced the news in a statement. It 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.”
The statement came just weeks after the news that both John Torode and Gregg Wallace had been axed from the show. John Torode was accused of making racist comments back in 2018 or 2019 and it has since been confirmed that his MasterChef contract will not be renewed.
Gregg Wallace also stepped away from the show amid an investigation into claims of inappropriate behaviour that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld.