MasterChef issues update on show's future as Gregg Wallace breaks silence on sacking
MasterChef bosses have issued an update on the future of the show following the sacking of John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
In recent weeks, both hosts of the long-running culinary competition have been let go by the BBC, with Torode having been dealt with a historic accusation of using racist language, and Wallace was the subject of more than 50 complaints to do with inappropriate behaviour.
The broadcaster recently confirmed that the most recent batch of episodes will air as planned in August despite their dismissal, and now production company Banjay has confirmed that the next series will go ahead as they put out a call for new contestants.
A post on the show's official website read: "For over 20 years we have been putting Britain's best food talents through their paces. Cooking doesn't get tougher than this. Whether you're an amateur cook looking to showcase your home-taught skills or a professional chef wanting to take your career to the next level you can apply for a UK MasterChef series below." Those hoping to take part can apply at https://www.masterchef.tv.
It is not yet clear when filming will get underway, but, as ever, those wanting to take part must be of complete amateur level and have to declare that they have never prepared food in a professional environment. It is thought that TV chef Andi Oliver and Saturday Kitchen star Matt Tebbutt could be taking the reins when the show returns. Plans for the new series have come to light just hours after Wallace, 60, broke his silence on his dismissal and claimed that he has no interest in ever working in television again.
Opening up to The Sun, Wallace said: "I'm hurt. I don't want anything to do with telly. I don't want anything to do with the BBC." He went on to allege that he had been a victim of sexual harassment and that he had always overlooked inappropriate behaviour. He told the publication: 'The whole complaints procedure needs to be readdressed - there are huge problems with it as things stand.
'Being on MasterChef was brilliant but I had so many bad experiences on that show too. Had I wanted to raise any complaints, I'd have had the decency to speak to that person directly. Privately, not publicly."
Earlier this month, Wallace said he was "deeply sorry for any distress" he caused with his past behaviour after the BBC concluded their investigation. In a statement released via the PA, he insisted that he "never set out to harm or humiliate" anyone. MasterChef's production company, Banijay, employed an independent law firm to conduct the investigation into the allegations made against Wallace.
The incident sparked comment from the government, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman saying: "We're clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future."
'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," a spokesperson said. "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," they continued.
"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."
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