BBC explains in FULL why MasterChef with Gregg Wallace and John Torode will still air

The BBC has stressed it wants to "properly recognise" the MasterChef contestants by airing a series filmed last year before allegations against Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld.

The corporation confirmed yesterday the latest amateur series has been given the green light for broadcast from August 6 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This is despite the scandal around both Wallace and Torode, who lost their hosting roles after 20 years. Most of the 83 allegations made against Wallace were for inappropriate sexual language and humour while Torode allegedly used a serious racial term.

But they filmed a series last year before these claims were upheld, and the BBC has decided to air this to honour the amateur chefs involved. However, the futures of the celebrity series and the Christmas special, again both already filmed, remain unclear as yet.

Reacting to the news on Wednesday, one former MasterChef worker said the decision to go ahead showed "a blatant disregard for the people who have come forward".

Speaking to BBC News, she warned it was "a total reversal of so-called firing from MasterChef - how can you be fired by your work is still made public? While a gap in the prime time schedule is not ideal, for integrity they should have found other series to go into those slots."

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However, the BBC said in full: "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.

"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.

"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."

The statement followed news last week that Torode's contract on MasterChef would not be renewed, as confirmed by the BBC and production company Banijay UK.

Torode, who celebrated his 60th birthday on Wednesday, confirmed he was the subject of an allegation about using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace.