MasterChef will return to screens tonight for the 21st series 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.
Torode and Wallace will still feature in the show, but the series will take a more in-depth focus on the contestants. The series will air from August 6 and the BBC confirmed their decision 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.”
Torode had been accused of making racist comments back in 2018 or 2019, acknowledging that he apologised immediately afterwards. However, the celebrity chef has stated he has “no recollection” of the incident, adding: “I do not believe that it happened.”
A BBC spokesperson issued a statement to confirm Mr Torode’s contract will not be renewed. It said: “The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously.
“We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”
It was previously confirmed Mr Wallace would not be returning to MasterChef following an inquiry into his alleged misconduct, conducted by an independent law firm on behalf of production company Banijay.
Wallace stepped back from his role in November 2024 amid an ongoing investigation into claims of inappropriate behaviour that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld.
Torode and Wallace will appear on-screen for the 21st series of MasterChef. The contestants are put through numerous culinary challenges, but one of this year’s contestants asked to be edited out of the show.
Accoridng to PA News Agency, Sarah Shafi, who took part in the new series when it was filmed during the summer of 2024, requested to be removed.
Lisa Nandy also spoke about the new series of the show. Asked whether it should be shown on TV with Wallace and Torode, Nandy said: “It’s absolutely not for me, as the Culture Secretary and a member of the government, to tell broadcasters what they can and can’t broadcast.”
Asked what she thought as a viewer, she said: “As a viewer, I won’t be watching it.” She added: “I’ve watched MasterChef on and off over the years, but I certainly won’t be watching this series.”