BBC confirms unreleased MasterChef season with Gregg Wallace and John Torode will air – and reveals franchise will return

A statement from the BBC read: "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 6th 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."

Last year, an investigation was ordered by MasterChef's production company Banijay and carried out by independent law firm Lewis Silkin after 13 individuals came forward with allegations of historical misconduct against Wallace, with "inappropriate sexual comments" made over a 17-year period across five different programmes.

The subsequent report stated that there were 83 historical allegations of misconduct made against Wallace in total, and 45 of them were substantiated.

The BBC then announced that it had "no plans to work with [Wallace] in the future".

Prior to the report being published, Wallace spoke out in a post shared on Instagram, saying that he had been "cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me".

"The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation," he said.

"I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks."

The following day, the BBC confirmed that Torode would not return either, after an allegation of him using racist language in the workplace was upheld.

Torode had previously confirmed he was the subject of an allegation, but said he had "no recollection" of the reported incident.

Following the news, Torode wrote on Instagram: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay - I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of.

"The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that."

The BBC has also confirmed it is yet to make a decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, which have already been filmed, with the broadcaster set to confirm its plans later this year.

However, it reiterated that the MasterChef franchise will continue without Wallace and Torode.

The statement today concluded: "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."

MasterChef returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Wednesday 6th August.

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