The first three episodes of Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final MasterChef series have been released on BBC iPlayer, marking the end of an era for the popular cooking show. Both presenters were dropped from the programme following upheld allegations of misconduct.
The episodes became available early on Wednesday morning, with the first episode scheduled to air on BBC One at 8pm. Both Wallace and Torode appear in the opening shots, with Torode telling viewers "this is the sort of stuff that dreams are made of" and Wallace praising a contestant's work as "a cracker of a job".
Wallace steps away amid allegations
Wallace stepped away from his role in November 2024 while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. Last month, Banijay UK and the BBC announced they had agreed "Mr Wallace's return to MasterChef is untenable" following the completion of the investigation.
A Lewis Silkin review saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against Wallace upheld. The presenter issued an apology saying he was "deeply sorry for any distress caused" and that he "never set out to harm or humiliate".
Torode also faces upheld allegation
Torode was the subject of an allegation about using racist language that was also upheld as part of the Lewis Silkin review. The TV star said he had "no recollection of the incident" and was "shocked and saddened" by the allegation.
The BBC confirmed last month that the series, which was filmed last year before the allegations were upheld, would be broadcast in August. The corporation said it had "not been an easy decision in the circumstances" but added that "broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process".
Government minister won't watch
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told BBC Breakfast it was "absolutely not for me, as the Culture Secretary and a member of the Government, to tell broadcasters what they can and can't broadcast". However, as a viewer, she said: "I won't be watching it."
Six amateur chefs feature in the first heat, though one contestant, Sarah Shafi, asked to be edited out of the series. The BBC has not yet made a decision regarding the celebrity series and Christmas special.
In an interview with The Sun last month, Wallace apologised to anyone hurt by his behaviour but insisted he is "not a groper, a sex pest or a flasher". The series represents the final chapter for both presenters on the show that made them household names.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
