Latest news with #BanijayUK
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
New MasterChef series with Gregg Wallace and John Torode to air
This new series was filmed before allegations against Wallace and Torode were upheld by an independent investigation. The BBC released a statement, saying it had made the decision 'after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants'. A BBC spokesperson said: '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 John Torode's contract on MasterChef would not be renewed, as confirmed by the BBC and production company Banijay UK. Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of 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 Gregg Wallace. Torode said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. Recommended reading: New MasterChef presenters 'confirmed' after Gregg Wallace and John Torode axing John Torode axed from MasterChef after allegations of racist language upheld John Torode and Gregg Wallace 'off with each other' and 'were never friends' Torode began presenting the BBC cooking contest alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. In November 2024, the show's production company, Banijay UK, announced Wallace would step down from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. Wallace issued an apology saying he is 'deeply sorry for any distress caused' and that he 'never set out to harm or humiliate' in the wake of a report that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld. Both MasterChef presenters will feature in the upcoming series but the edit will be looked at in light of the findings, with focus being given to the contestants, the PA news agency understands.
Sky News
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News
John Torode responds to MasterChef sacking
MasterChef presenter John Torode will no longer work on the show after an allegation he used an "extremely offensive racist term" was upheld, the BBC has said. His co-host Gregg Wallace was also sacked last week after claims of inappropriate behaviour. In a statement posted on Instagram, Torode said he had not "heard from anyone at the BBC" or the production company that makes MasterChef but confirmed the specials he filmed for Christmas "will be (his) last". "I'd hoped that l'd have some say in my exit from a show l've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in (the) last few days seem to have prevented that," he wrote. On Monday, Torode said an allegation he used racist language was upheld in a report into the behaviour of Wallace. The report found more than half of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated. Torode, 59, insisted he had "absolutely no recollection" of the alleged incident involving him and he "did not believe that it happened," adding "racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment". In a statement on Tuesday, a BBC spokesperson said the allegation "involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace". The claim was "investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin", they added. "The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously," the spokesperson said. "We will not tolerate racist language of any kind... we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. "John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed." In his statement posted on Instagram, Torode repeated that he had "no recollection" of the alleged incident where he was said to have used racist language. He said he had "loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else". "I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards," he added. "My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. "Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere." Australian-born Torode started presenting MasterChef alongside Wallace, 60, in 2005. 1:11 Torode sacking appears to be desperate bid from Davie to lead from front It is a headline that almost writes itself. MasterChef's remaining presenter now also for the chop. John Torode had successfully distanced himself from claims relating to his former co-host's inappropriate behaviour, weathering the storm, still appearing on daytime shows like This Morning. But after identifying himself as appearing in the same report looking into his colleague's behaviour - the heat was turned up. Perhaps unfairly so if indeed, as he claims, the alleged incident did not happen. Timing is everything. And the writing was perhaps on the wall after director general Tim Davie said in a briefing on the corporation's annual report that MasterChef can survive its current scandal as it is "much bigger than individuals". From the streaming of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury IDF death chants, to Greg Wallace, and the fallout over the handling of a Gaza documentary - there have been a lot of eyes on what's happening in boardrooms at the BBC. With the DG's leadership being called into question after a slew of errors, he is now clearly keen to be seen as in control. His zero-tolerance approach to what Torode did or didn't do seems like more of a desperate attempt to be seen as leading from the front. A statement from Banijay UK said it "takes this matter incredibly seriously" and Lewis Silkin "substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018". "This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint," the TV production company added. "Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef." Earlier, as the BBC released its annual report, its director-general Tim Davie addressed MasterChef's future, saying it can survive as it is "much bigger than individuals". 3:30 Speaking to BBC News after Torode was sacked, Mr Davie said a decision is yet to be taken over whether an unseen MasterChef series - filmed with both Wallace and Torode last year - will be aired. "It's a difficult one because... those amateur chefs gave a lot to take part - it means a lot, it can be an enormous break if you come through the show," he added. "I want to just reflect on that with the team and make a decision, and we'll communicate that in due course." Mr Davie refused to say what the "seriously racist term" Torode was alleged to have used but said: "I certainly think we've drawn a line in the sand." In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity.
South Wales Guardian
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
New MasterChef series with Gregg Wallace and John Torode to air
This new series was filmed before allegations against Wallace and Torode were upheld by an independent investigation. The BBC released a statement, saying it had made the decision 'after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants'. A BBC spokesperson said: '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 John Torode's contract on MasterChef would not be renewed, as confirmed by the BBC and production company Banijay UK. Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of 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 Gregg Wallace. Torode said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. Recommended reading: New MasterChef presenters 'confirmed' after Gregg Wallace and John Torode axing John Torode axed from MasterChef after allegations of racist language upheld John Torode and Gregg Wallace 'off with each other' and 'were never friends' Torode began presenting the BBC cooking contest alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. In November 2024, the show's production company, Banijay UK, announced Wallace would step down from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. Wallace issued an apology saying he is 'deeply sorry for any distress caused' and that he 'never set out to harm or humiliate' in the wake of a report that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld. Both MasterChef presenters will feature in the upcoming series but the edit will be looked at in light of the findings, with focus being given to the contestants, the PA news agency understands.
North Wales Chronicle
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
MasterChef series filmed last year to be broadcast in August, BBC confirms
A decision on airing the celebrity series and Christmas special has not been decided, with plans to be confirmed later in the year, the BBC said. Both presenters will still feature in the upcoming series, but the edit will be looked at in light of the findings of an investigation, with focus being given to the contestants, the PA news agency understands. A BBC spokesperson said: '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. Torode said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. In November 2024, Banijay UK, announced Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. Wallace issued an apology saying he was 'deeply sorry for any distress caused' and that he 'never set out to harm or humiliate' in the wake of the Lewis Silkin review that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld. It concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also substantiated. BBC director-general Tim Davie presented the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report last week and insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out. 'I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals', he said. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.' Torode began presenting the BBC cooking contest alongside Wallace in 2005. The duo celebrated the show's 20th anniversary in 2024 with a special dinner at Fishmongers' Hall in London with the semi-finalists of MasterChef series 20 delivering a three-course feast to food critics and top chefs.
South Wales Guardian
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
MasterChef series filmed last year to be broadcast in August, BBC confirms
A decision on airing the celebrity series and Christmas special has not been decided, with plans to be confirmed later in the year, the BBC said. Both presenters will still feature in the upcoming series, but the edit will be looked at in light of the findings of an investigation, with focus being given to the contestants, the PA news agency understands. A BBC spokesperson said: '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. Torode said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. In November 2024, Banijay UK, announced Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. Wallace issued an apology saying he was 'deeply sorry for any distress caused' and that he 'never set out to harm or humiliate' in the wake of the Lewis Silkin review that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld. It concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also substantiated. BBC director-general Tim Davie presented the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report last week and insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out. 'I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals', he said. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.' Torode began presenting the BBC cooking contest alongside Wallace in 2005. The duo celebrated the show's 20th anniversary in 2024 with a special dinner at Fishmongers' Hall in London with the semi-finalists of MasterChef series 20 delivering a three-course feast to food critics and top chefs.
