The unaired MasterChef series recorded before Gregg Wallace and John Torode were sacked from the show will air as normal on the BBC.
It was unknown whether the pre-recorded episodes would see the light of day after allegations were upheld against the show’s hosts.
However, the BBC has now decided to show the series, which was recorded in late 2024, from 6 August on BBC One and iPlayer.
On 14 July, a report upheld 45 allegations of misconduct against Wallace, including one of unwelcome physical contact.
It was announced the next day that Torode, his co-host of 20 years, had also been sacked from the long-running cookery show after an allegation of racist language was substantiated during the investigation into Wallace’s behaviour.
Wallace said he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused”, while Torode said he had “no recollection” of the alleged remark.
The BBC previously apologised to “everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour”, and admitted that “opportunities were missed to address” his conduct, stating: “We accept more could and should have been done sooner.”
The BBC’s director-general Tim Davie expressed concern over cancelling the series, which was made before any allegations were upheld, as the amateur chefs who participated “gave a lot of time”.
“It means a lot, it can be an enormous break if you come through the show,” Davie said. :So, I want to just reflect on that with the team and make a decision and we’ll communicate that in due course.”
More to follow
