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Daily Mirror
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC explains in FULL why MasterChef with Gregg Wallace and John Torode will still air
Allegations against MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld, and they both lost their jobs on the BBC programme, which has aired in various guises since 2005 The BBC has stressed it wants to "properly recognise" the MasterChef contestants by airing a series filmed last year before allegations against Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld. The corporation confirmed yesterday the latest amateur series has been given the green light for broadcast from August 6 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This is despite the scandal around both Wallace and Torode, who lost their hosting roles after 20 years. Most of the 83 allegations made against Wallace were for inappropriate sexual language and humour while Torode allegedly used a serious racial term. But they filmed a series last year before these claims were upheld, and the BBC has decided to air this to honour the amateur chefs involved. However, the futures of the celebrity series and the Christmas special, again both already filmed, remain unclear as yet. Reacting to the news on Wednesday, one former MasterChef worker said the decision to go ahead showed "a blatant disregard for the people who have come forward". Speaking to BBC News, she warned it was "a total reversal of so-called firing from MasterChef - how can you be fired by your work is still made public? While a gap in the prime time schedule is not ideal, for integrity they should have found other series to go into those slots." READ MORE: MasterChef's new hosts 'revealed' after Gregg Wallace and John Torode scandal However, the BBC said in full: "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. "At this stage we have not taken a decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, which was filmed earlier this year, and we will confirm our plans later in the year. "Most importantly MasterChef is a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual. 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 in the future." The statement followed news last week that Torode's contract on MasterChef would not be renewed, as confirmed by the BBC and production company Banijay UK. Torode, who celebrated his 60th birthday on Wednesday, confirmed he was the subject of an allegation about using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: Is godfather of hospitality MasterChef's next judge?
While sacked MasterChef judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode are due to appear in a new series filmed last year, a colourful character is being lined up as a successor. I hear that restaurateur and hotelier Robert Walton, often called the 'godfather of hospitality', has held talks about joining the crisis-hit BBC cookery series. Restaurant critic Grace Dent was named as Wallace's successor last December after the former greengrocer stepped down following several historical allegations of inappropriate behaviour made about him. 'Robert is in talks for being appointed the MasterChef judge position with Dent,' a source tells me. 'He is a wild card but the most qualified for the job. 'They like the idea of Robert and Grace together. They are playing around with pairs, and they are looking for credibility. It would make a refreshing change to have someone who is an authority on food and hospitality, who is highly decorated and respected, judging for MasterChef.' Walton, 69, who is married to Australian fashion designer Donna Ida Thornton, has already received the royal seal of approval, having been awarded an MBE in 2007 by then Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace for services to hospitality. This week, Walton was honoured again at the House of Lords, where he won the British Icon of Hospitality Award at the Arabreneurs Gala Dinner. 'I'm upset with what's happened to MasterChef and the way everything has come out,' he tells me. 'It's an institution, and it needs to carry on. If someone wants me to do it, I'm super-happy to put my name forward and can get the job done.' Previously touted to replace Torode were Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt and Andi Oliver, who hosts Great British Menu. Princess Anne's woes with Wills Holidays can wait for hard-working Princess Anne, who held yet another investiture on behalf of her brother, King Charles, at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. Around 30 are held each year, at which people who've been awarded an honour receive their gong from the King, 76, Anne, who turns 75 next month, or Prince William, 43, who lives at Windsor. A 'source close to Anne' was quoted in The Sunday Times as saying: 'She's still doing most of the investitures [at Windsor] even though William lives there. It annoys her.' Her nephew is currently on holiday abroad with his family. Pick up after your own pooches, says Lucrezia SHE is known for her calmness when delivering bulletins, but ITV News presenter Lucrezia Millarini is a pugnacious type off screen. The Celebrity Mastermind winner, 49, reveals that she confronts fellow dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets. 'I have done this a few times,' she tells me at the premiere of the documentary Dogspiracy. 'Cleaning up after your dog is the right and proper thing to do.' Lucrezia, who has a lhasa apso named Milo, pictured above, says owners who let their dogs leave a mess are 'often aggressive'. She adds: 'It's generally men, they often come back at you with a four-letter word.' Ozzy Osbourne died at home on Tuesday at the age of 76, 'with his family and surrounded by love'. The Black Sabbath star's daughter, Kelly, told me earlier this month he was happy being back in his native Britain but frustrated to be separated from his animals. 'He loves the house, but he's just waiting for the dogs to get here,' she said. Fortunately, I hear his beloved dogs did arrive before his death. They played a big part in Ozzy's TV series The Osbournes. The star once shared a video of his late pomeranian Rocky 'headbanging' to his song Crazy Train. Apinall's ex is expecting miracle baby When I disclosed in 2022 that casino and wildlife park heir Damian Aspinall had separated from his second wife, Victoria, pictured left, friends pointed out that she had always made it clear that she wanted children with him. Now, she has revealed that it was her struggle to conceive that ended their marriage. And she is pregnant with a 'miracle baby' by an unnamed man. 'I was utterly shocked when I found out I was pregnant earlier this year,' admits the former Burberry executive, 39. 'For seven years, my husband and I fought for this dream: multiple rounds of IVF, miscarriages, and an endless hope that slowly eroded. 'It cost me everything I once loved: my marriage, my home, my career, my sense of self. It took two and a half years to grieve, to rebuild, to finally accept that motherhood might never be part of my story.' Victoria does not seem to be in a relationship with the father, saying: 'Everything I had dreamed of sharing with someone was no longer my reality. Deciding to keep this baby has been the bravest choice of my life.' ITV has made much of the danger faced by participants in its much-hyped series, Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, in which stars including Countdown's Rachel Riley and Call The Midwife actress Helen George swim with the fearsome predators. One of the stars, Sir Lenny Henry, appears, however, to have revealed the truth about the 'reality' programme. 'We survived,' says the actor and comedian, 66. 'I was aware that ITV don't want anybody of a celebrity nature to be eaten on television.'
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island fans rage over Megan's shock return as they raise concerns for 'emotionally drained' Shakira and urge 'where's the mental health team?'
Love Island fans shared their fury on X over Megan Forte Clarke's shock return to the villa during Wednesday night's episode. Viewers expressed it was 'unfair' Megan and Blu Chegini were given a second shot in the villa. Blu was the second islander to be eliminated from the ITV show, while Megan was dramatically dumped shortly after by the public. Some fans have even accused producers of creating a 'mean girl narrative' by welcoming Megan back as they claimed she 'bullied' Shakira Khan in her first stint. Some wrote: 'I'm confused who asked for Megan and blue back ? Weren't they gone FOR A REASON. Love island US and UK were trash this year. #LoveIslandUK next thing Meg and d are winning ??? DISGUSTING', 'I don't like the love island twist. I don't like that Megan and Bleu have came back. Because WHY?', 'Why would Love Island producers bring Megan back when the public voted her off #LoveIslandUK', 'atp what is the point of voting on love island UK if people like megan can just rock back up at any point of time, surely this shouldn't be allowed? #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK', 'Sorry but I hate that Megan is back. Love island FIRE who ever game maker is!! #LoveIsland' Megan's return sparked a wave of concern for Shakira's mental health, who fans said already appears 'emotionally drained' on the programme. Viewers penned on X: 'funny how love island preaches about mental health and how the public should go easy on the islanders only to THEMSELVES use the most amount of vids of shakira for the grafties to push the mean girl narrative and sent back in megan one of the buIIies', 'this princess deserved so much better. i hope she walks for her own mental health. shakira you are loved worldwide and are better than love island', 'Shakira is emotionally drained and not okay Love Island uk is responsible for her mental health the contestants the producers the therapists everyone', 'Really not keen on the production team for the constant shots thrown at shakira. We only see one hour of the whole day and it's clear she's down and not feeling herself. Where's the mental health team love island are so vocal about? #LoveIslandUK'. Some fans have even accused producers of creating a 'mean girl narrative' by welcoming Megan back as they claimed she 'bullied' Shakira Khan in her first stint Viewers expressed their concerns for Shakira's mental health following Wednesday night's episode MailOnline has contacted Love Island for comment. In recent days, Shakira has been in floods of tears and has persistently said she 'can't wait to leave the villa' following a rocky start to her journey with Harry Cooksley. During the episode Shakira shut down her short-lived romance with Conor Phillips after struggling to get over her feelings for Harry. Last week, Shakira broke down in tears after a heated row with Conor after Harrison said during the Couple Of Sorts game that she had deeper feelings for Harry - who she was paired with earlier in the series. She told Conor: 'It's been twisted and you've wanted to believe the boys straight away. It's ego and pride. Wake up, Conor. 'They're literally the biggest game-players here. When have I ever lied to you? Their argument leaves Shakira feeling upset and she goes to Toni and Yasmin for comfort. Upset with the rugby lad, she said: 'I don't want to be surrounded by them all the time. For Conor to straight off the cuff believe them… We've been friends for weeks…' NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. Megan Moore NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! NAME: Helena Ford AGE: 29 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract. NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. NAME: Conor Phillips AGE: 23 FROM: Limerick OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course! NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. NAME: Yasmin Pettet AGE: 24 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Commercial Banking Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for a guy who is fit, has a nice body and who is funny with a bit of banter. WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? A guy that's stingy NAME: Bilikis Azeez aka Billykiss AGE: 28 OCCUPATION: Content Creator WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone tall who's good looking, but not too good looking, and that's confident, assertive, knows what they want and is serious about me WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? Someone who's childish Jamie NAME: Jamie Rhodes AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Electric Engineer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Bubbly, cheeky, outgoing, good face card and a nice bum. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I'll be in amongst the drama! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, I'm gonna take it by the horns and go for it. NAME: Ty Isherwood AGE: 23 OCCUPATION: Site Engineer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I go off energy, if we vibe. I've typically dated brunettes, tanned, nice teeth with a nice smile. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? A head turner! I get along with lads easily and like to make people laugh. NAME: Cacherel 'Cach' Mercer AGE: 24 OCCUPATION: Professional Dancer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who's emotionally intelligent, beautiful, charismatic, caring, affectionate, and I'd say an intro extrovert. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I think I'm gonna get into trouble, I feel like I'll be the joker of the group! I'll also be the person people come to for advice… and a bit of eye candy at the same time. ......................................................................................................................... NAME: Angel Swift AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Aesthetics Practitioner and Salon Owner WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm ready to make memories with someone, go travelling with them and fall in love WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I feel like people have been getting their heads turned very easily. I do feel like I have quite a good chance of turning someone's head.
