MasterChef opens applications for 2026 season after BBC announces airing plans for filmed episodes

The BBC confirmed that after "careful consideration and consultation with the contestants", the decision was made to air season 21, announcing that the franchise would continue without Torode and Wallace.

"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," the statement read.

"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."

Details on who will replace Torode and Wallace are yet to be confirmed.

Applications for season 22 are now open, along with for the upcoming season of MasterChef: The Professionals.

"Whether you're an amateur cook looking to showcase your home-taught skills or a professional chef wanting to take your career to the next level you can apply for a UK MasterChef series," the page reads.

Potential contestants can only apply if they meet the show's eligibility criteria, which consists of not possessing an NVQ or other professional catering qualifications acquired in the last 10 years, never having worked full time as a chef or run a food or catering business, as well as their main source of income never having come from preparing and cooking fresh food in a professional environment.

You can apply for MasterChef now.

The aforementioned report carried out by independent law firm Lewis Silkin stated that there were 83 historical allegations of misconduct made against Wallace in total, with 45 of them substantiated - with the BBC announcing it had "no plans to work with [Wallace] in the future".

Prior to the report being completed, Wallace spoke out in a statement 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."

Following Wallace's exit from the franchise, the BBC confirmed that Torode would not return either, after an allegation of him using racist language in the workplace was upheld.

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

MasterChef returns on Wednesday 6th August at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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