The BBC will air the new series of MasterChef featuring Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
The future of the season had been in doubt after Wallace and Torode were both fired from the show following a report commissioned by MasterChef producer Banijay.
Today, the BBC said that “after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants” it will air the show on both BBC One linear and BBC iPlayer.
“This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it,” said a BBC spokesperson, appearing to anticipate backlash. “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.”
The spokesperson said the show will launch August 6. No decision has been made on the celebrity version, which is also in the can, and on the Christmas special, both of which feature the presenters as well.
Wallace’s position became “untenable” following a report that substantiated 45 allegations made against him after a BBC News expose into his behavior across a lengthy period on the show. During that report, allegations were also made against Torode, one of which of racial language was substantiated by the independent law firm drawing up the report. Reports later alleged that Torode had used the n-word. Wallace has apologized for distress caused but said Responding today, Wallace issued a lengthy statement in which he said he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused” but said “none of the serious allegations against me were upheld.” Torode has apologized but says he can’t recall the incident and “I do not believe that it happened.”
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