MasterChef UK Series 21 Airs Despite Controversy Surrounding Presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace
The 21st series of MasterChef has landed back on screens in the UK, but not without a heavy shadow hanging over it. Amid serious allegations and subsequent dismissals, viewers are seeing judges Gregg Wallace and MasterChef John Torode back on screen, sparking questions and outrage online.
Series 21 kicked off on BBC One at 9pm this week, with the first three episodes also now available on BBC iPlayer. Despite the furore surrounding the show’s long-standing presenters, the BBC confirmed that the season would be broadcast as originally planned.
Why Are John Torode and Gregg Wallace Still Appearing?
The answer lies in timing. The current series was filmed in 2024, before allegations against both presenters were made public and long before the final report of an independent investigation concluded they would be removed.
In a statement, the BBC defended the decision to go ahead with airing the series: “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.”
So, while they may be visible on screen for now, both men are no longer attached to the show’s future, and will not return to any upcoming civilian series.
The Allegations Behind the Decision
In late 2024, multiple accusations were made against Gregg Wallace involving alleged inappropriate behaviour on the sets of his television work, including MasterChef.
The BBC, along with production company Banijay UK, swiftly launched an independent investigation, led by the law firm Lewis Silkin.
That report, published in July, revealed 45 of 83 allegations against Wallace were upheld. Most revolved around “inappropriate sexual language and humour,” including one incident of unwanted physical contact, reportedly occurring between 2005 and 2018.
Following the findings, Wallace was dismissed from the BBC. A spokesperson confirmed: “In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future.”
Wallace issued an apology: “I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off.”
“A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived. I’m still learning.”
Meanwhile, MasterChef John Torode also faced allegations, specifically regarding an incident of racist language.
Torode identified himself in a public post: “Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld.
“For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion.
The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.
“I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
Banijay UK later confirmed the accusation had been upheld: “In response to John Torode’s statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously.
The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also 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. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.”
With both presenters now cut from the franchise, the future of MasterChef UK is being reshaped. Torode had already filmed a celebrity edition alongside food critic Grace Dent, as well as two upcoming Christmas specials, which are expected to still air. But moving forward, new faces will take the reins.
The BBC now faces the task of not only restoring public trust but also preserving the show’s core spirit – showcasing amateur culinary talent from across the UK. For fans, the current series offers a bittersweet experience: familiar judges, but for the last time.
