MasterChef stars 'make feelings clear' on new Gregg Wallace series ahead of BBC decision

Daily Mirror

5 days ago

Production of the new series of MasterChef, presented by Gregg Wallace, was underway when allegations about the presenter came to light, leaving its future uncertain
A 'decision' about the unaired series of MasterChef has reportedly been made by bosses at the BBC. Filming for the upcoming series of the hit show was well underway when allegations about presenter Gregg Wallace came to light.
The 60-year-old presenter stepped back from filming in November, with chef Anna Haugh said to have taken over the role from the semi-finals on. Gregg has since been sacked from the show after an investigation upheld 45 out of 83 complaints against him.
Co-star John Torode was this week sacked from the show after law firm Lewis Silkin upheld a complaint that he used racist language eight years ago. Now, according to TV producer Richard Osman, BBC bosses are set to show the unaired episodes.
The 54-year-old believes the decision has been made after producers from Banijay UK consulted with contestants who appeared on the show. The House of Games star however says no decision has been made on the next series of Celebrity MasterChef, which starred Grace Dent.
Speaking on his The Rest is Entertainment podcast with journalist Marina Hyde, he said: 'The main one is the big main series and as people probably know, it was presented by John and Gregg, and as they got to the semi-final stages the allegations about Gregg came out and they replaced him with Anna Haugh from the semi-finals onwards.
'Anna is that wonderful Irish chef who is brilliant on everything. The feeling at the BBC and the feeling at Banijay, having talked to everyone who has been on that show, is that they would like to show it.
'They have spoken to pretty much every single contestant and the contestants are saying, 'We would be gutted if this doesn't go out'. It's been a huge deal what they have done, it makes careers as well.'
Marina pointed out that a number of contestants from the hit show have gone on to open restaurants after appearing on the series. She added: 'It's a huge challenge and it goes on for a long time so their skills should absolutely be showcased I think.'
It led Richard to explain he believes bosses have made a final decision on the unaired series. He said: 'I think, I'd be fairly confident in saying that the current plan is to show that series because it's due on quite soon.
'That's a decision that needs to be made quite quickly, they've made the decision, looking at the contestants, what the contestants would like to happen, and the contestants said, 'We would like it to go on air'.'
The BBC had previously said that no decision on the future of the unaired series had been made. Although it did say producers would be consulting with the contestants before a decision is made.
The BBC spokesperson said: "At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year.
"We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.
"In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met.
"This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards.
"We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC."
Earlier this week, BBC director Tim Davie described the decision as difficult. He said: "We haven't made a decision yet, it's a difficult one, because to your question, those amateur chefs gave a lot of time to take part in the show. It means a lot, it can be an enormous break if you come through the show. So, I want to just reflect on that with the team and make a decision and we'll communicate that in due course."