Getty ImagesA new series of MasterChef which was recorded before presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode were sacked will be shown on One and iPlayer, the corporation has announced.
The said it had taken the decision “after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants”.
“MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part,” the corporation said in a statement. “The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.”
The also said it had not taken a decision on the completed celebrity series and Christmas special, filmed with Torode and food critic Grace Dent.
Earlier this month, a report revealed more than 40 claims against Wallace had been upheld, while a claim that Torode had used a severely offensive racist term was also substantiated.
In its statement, the said: “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 or on shows made for the .
“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.”
Previous contestants on the show previously told News that being on MasterChef can be “life-changing” for them.
But some of the women who came forward with claims against Wallace have said they didn’t think it should be shown.
One former MasterChef worker suggested it would show “a real lack of respect” to people like her if the series was aired, while another warned it would “make a mockery” of the people who have spoken out.
The concluded its statement by describing MasterChef as “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 and we look forward to it returning stronger than ever in the future.”
