Gregg Wallace and John Torode will still appear on tonight’s new series of MasterChef on the BBC, despite them both having been axed by production company Banijay

Gregg Wallace and John Torode will appear on MasterChef tonight(Image: BBC/Shine TV)

Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s appearance on tonight’s new series of MasterChef will no doubt leave people puzzled. Both presenters were separately axed from the programme.

The synopsis for the first episode makes no mention of either Gregg or John. It simply reads: “The return of the cookery competition, as contestants are put through culinary challenges to test not only their skills, but their knowledge of food.

“Tasks in the first heat involve turning a humble set of ingredients into a showstopper of a dish, a mystery box containing trout, chocolate and beetroot and cooking a two-course meal for last year’s MasterChef champion Brin Pirathapan and finalists Chris Willoughby and Louise Lyons Macleod.” It comes after John Torode’s businesses collapsed after racking up eye-watering debts.

Here’s what led to the double axing – and what the BBC have said about continuing to broadcast the show featuring the pair.

BBC to axe show

John and Gregg have returned for one more series, filmed before the investigation(Image: BBC)

What did Gregg Wallace do?

Gregg was axed from the show after law firm Lewis Silkin upheld 45 out of 85 complaints against Wallace of inappropriate behaviour. While the 60-year-old has admitted using inappropriate language at times, he denies the more serious allegations.

In a scathing letter from the BBC, extracts of which have been seen by the Mirror, compliance boss Claire Powell refers to the findings of a law firm’s probe into his behaviour.

She said: “I do not have the confidence that you can change what seems to be learned behaviour for you to make what you perceive to be jokes in the work -environment, without understanding the boundaries of what is appropriate.

“You acknowledge some of your comments have offended or upset people. But it is clear that you struggle to distinguish the boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate -behaviour in the workplace, as well as lacking an awareness of why your behaviour impacts others. I do not have confidence that your behaviour can change.”

Gregg was axed from the show after law firm Lewis Silkin upheld 45 out of 85 complaints against him(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Before the report had been released, Gregg insisted: “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.” He also later did an interview, where he said he’s been scared to leave his house in case some people “abuse him in the street”.

What did John Torode do?

John did not have his contract renewed with Banijay UK – who make MasterChef – after he was alleged to have used racist language amid an investigation into his former co-star’s behaviour.

He claimed he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened. In a statement shared on social media, he wrote: “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. Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future. Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last.”

John did not have his contract renewed(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

He added: “Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. Thank you for the many years of MasterChef.”

It has not been confirmed what the word he used was or when it was said or about what, but Richard Osman alleged that he “used probably the worst racial slur there is”.

BBC’s statement

The BBC came under fire for their decision to air this new series featuring both Gregg and John. They issued a statement, which 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 6 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.

This is John and Gregg’s last series together(Image: BBC/Shine TV)

“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.”

They continued: “At this stage we have not taken a decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, which was filmed earlier this year, and we will confirm our plans later in the year.

“Most importantly 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.”

Edits made

Sarah Shafi, who was meant to be in this series, has been edited out of the show after asking for the show to be pulled. In an interview with The Guardian, Sarah said that Banijay offered to edit her out of the show, which she initially rejected but later agreed to be removed. “I didn’t say edit me out,” she said. “I said: ‘Axe the show, don’t air the show. I’m asking you not to air the show.’

“Prominent figures have been abusing their power. What message does that send out to women? For me, it’s about the enabling environment. It’s that complicity. Those individual powerful men do not [act] in isolation. There is an enabling environment, turning a blind eye … It’s about years of these institutions not being accountable.”

A spokesperson for the BBC said: “As we said when we announced the show would be aired, this was not an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone would agree with it. Banijay consulted with all the contestants before that decision was made and there was widespread support for it going ahead.

“We are sorry that this contestant does not support the decision and we are grateful she raised this with both the BBC and Banijay.”