By Dayo Ade Olusola | July 23, 2025
The BBC has confirmed it will broadcast the unaired 21st season of MasterChef featuring former presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode, despite both being implicated in serious allegations.
The decision follows months of internal deliberation and comes after Wallace was removed from the programme due to findings of inappropriate conduct spanning nearly two decades.
Co-presenter Torode was also cited in the same report for using racially insensitive language.
That independent review, released earlier this month, substantiated 45 of 83 complaints made against Wallace. The findings included claims of inappropriate sexual comments and unwanted physical contact.
Torode’s name also appeared in the review, which upheld a racial language complaint involving the use of the N-word on two occasions. He has since stated he does not recall the incidents.
In a statement, the BBC said it decided to air the series “after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants.” The show will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer starting August 6.
“MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part,” a spokesperson said. “The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.”
The network acknowledged that the decision “has not been easy in the circumstances,” and that it recognises the seriousness of the findings against both presenters.
“Broadcasting the series, which was filmed last year, does not in any way diminish our position on the conduct involved,” the BBC added.
The broadcaster also emphasised its behavioural expectations, noting: “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.”
Producers reportedly considered shelving the season entirely, but ultimately chose to move forward to honour the efforts of the contestants.
“Most importantly, MasterChef is a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual,” the BBC spokesperson added.
“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.”
According to the Press Association, the BBC plans to revise the editing of Season 21 to reduce screen time for the former presenters and focus primarily on the amateur chefs.
Director-General Tim Davie voiced his support for the franchise earlier this year, emphasising that the integrity of the programme is more important than any individual’s personality.
“I think it [MasterChef] does have a future,” Davie said. “A great programme that’s loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals.”
He also expressed concern about the culture surrounding the show and promised further reflection with the BBC team before final decisions were made.
“The contestants invested so much into the process,” he noted. “It means a lot, and can be an enormous break for someone if they make it far in the competition.”
Davie reiterated the importance of fairness to participants: “I want to reflect with the team and ensure we do what’s right. We’ll communicate our decisions in due course.”
Future seasons will feature a new lineup of presenters. Matt Tebbutt of Saturday Kitchen and Andi Oliver of Great British Menu are reportedly being considered to take over hosting duties.
In total, 13 women came forward with accusations spanning 17 years, leading Banijay to commission a formal legal investigation into Wallace’s behaviour.
He stepped down in November 2024 as the inquiry began. By July 2025, the law firm’s report had confirmed nearly half of the complaints, including one of “unwanted physical contact.”
Wallace later issued a statement apologising for “causing distress,” while simultaneously criticising the BBC for its handling of the matter.
Following his removal, the BBC confirmed Torode was also implicated in the report. Despite denying recollection, Torode did not contest the findings involving racially charged language.
The broadcaster’s latest move signals a clear intent to protect the MasterChef brand while distancing it from the misconduct of its now-former hosts.
