The BBC will broadcast the amateur series of “Masterchef” on BBC One and the BBC Iplayer from August 6, despite the conclusions against the presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
In a statement published by the company, a BBC spokesperson recognized the difficult decision, saying that the network had made the choice “after a careful examination and consultation with the candidates”.
“‘Masterchef’ is an incredible competition that changes life for the participation amateur leaders.
The series in question was filmed last year, before the allegations of misconduct against Wallace and Torode reveal themselves. The BBC stressed that the broadcast of the program “does not decrease our vision of the gravity of the confirmed conclusions against the two presenters”.
“We were very clear about the behavior standards that we expect from those working at the BBC or on programs made for the BBC,” said the press release.
The decision comes as the broadcaster weighs the impact on the candidates who participated in the competition. “We believe that the broadcast of this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given the process so much. We want them to be properly recognized and give the public the choice to watch the series,” said the spokesperson.
However, the fate of the “Masterchef” program is uncertain. The BBC has not yet decided to ventilate the celebrity series and the Christmas special, which was filmed earlier this year. The broadcaster said that he “would confirm our plans later in the year” concerning these productions.
For the future, the BBC has expressed its confidence in the future of the franchise. “More importantly,” Masterchef “is a brilliant and highly appreciated program that is larger than any individual. There are many talented, dedicated and workers who make the spectacle of what it is. He will continue to flourish on the BBC and we are impatiently waiting for him to come back stronger than ever in the future. ”
The announcement follows a complete seven -month investigation by Lewis Silkin who confirmed 45 allegations against Wallace from 2005 to 2024, leading to his dismissal from the show. The Torode contract was also terminated after the investigators supported an allegation according to which he used the racist language in 2018, although the famous chef maintains that he does not remember the incident and does not think it happened.
