Future of BBC’s MasterChef Christmas special and The Professionals revealed as Gregg Wallace quits show amid probe
THE BBC will still air two Masterchef festive specials this Christmas – despite both being fronted by Gregg Wallace.
He’s been forced to step down from the show he co-hosts with John Torode, after multiple complaints were made about his behaviour.
But two episodes will air as planned next month – a celebrity Cook Off with the likes of singer Max George and Love Island Luca Bish and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza featuring pros from the dance show including Kai Widdrington.
The BBC have yet to confirm whether his presence in the final edit of the show will be whittled down by clever cuts made by execs.
An insider said: “Removing these two shows from the festive schedules would have been a nightmare for the corporation, particularly as they’re believed to be scheduled particularly close to Christmas Day.
“Still, many viewers will be surprised to still see him on our screens given the news that he’s stepped down as host.
“His every word and action are likely to be scrutinised on the show in light of some of the allegations that have been made and its bound to be uncomfortable viewing for Beeb bosses.”
Today the show’s creators, Banijay issued a statement saying that Gregg would be “stepping away from his role on Masterchef” while the BBC conducted an investigation.
They said: “This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.
“Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.
“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”
A spokeswoman for the BBC said: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.
“We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.
“Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”