BBC to show MasterChef series with ex-presenters

The BBC is to broadcast a series of MasterChef featuring Gregg Wallace and John Torode, filmed before the presenters were dropped after facing upheld allegations over their behaviour.

- Michael Savage

The corporation said airing the show was the "right thing to do" for the amateur chefs who took part. Producers spoke to contestants to ascertain whether they wanted the programme to be shown.

The show will be broadcast as normal on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August. However, the editing of the programme will be looked at again to examine the prominence of the pair.

"MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part," a BBC spokesperson said. "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.