BBC 'will still air Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final MasterChef series' despite axe

Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series of MasterChef will reportedly still be aired. It has been revealed that the BBC and Banijay UK are keen to air the final two series featuring the presenters "when the dust settles".

Gregg Wallace’s position on MasterChef became "untenable" after 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour were upheld following a seven-month investigation. John Torode was also axed after he confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language. However, John said he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened.

Now sources have revealed that the BBC and Banijay are currently planning to air the already-filmed two series of MasterChef including a celebrity version. Gregg and John both appear in one and Grace Dent stepped in for Gregg in the other.

"These past eight months have been truly hellish for all concerned. The BBC and Banijay have faced a moral and professional dilemma like never before. Obviously Gregg’s case was more clear cut, but John being dragged through the mud wasn’t what anyone wanted or expected to happen," a source said.

"But at the same time, and as a publicly funded body, the BBC has a duty to both provide entertainment as well as fulfil its obligations to cast, crew, contestants and ­viewers alike. If they were to can these two series, hundreds of people — those who appeared or worked on the shows — would be so bitterly disappointed."

The insider added to The Sun : "So the feeling at present is that the show, quite literally, must go on — albeit once the dust has settled and all the fuss died down. The two presenters have already been cancelled on the Beeb — they don’t wish to cancel the series too; neither of which, it must be noted, received any complaints." The BBC has been contacted by The Mirror for comment.

In a lengthy statement, the BBC said they had no plans to work with Wallace again. They wrote: "We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour. We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.

"No decision has yet been made over the completed series of MasterChef, which was not broadcast earlier this year while the investigation was conducted. At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part. At the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants."

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