BBC Axes MasterChef Christmas Specials Amid Wallace Scandal

BBC Axes MasterChef Christmas Specials Amid Wallace Scandal.

The BBC has decided to cancel its MasterChef Christmas specials following the allegations against host Gregg Wallace.

Initially, the network had announced that all MasterChef episodes, including the holiday specials, would be broadcast as scheduled.

However, Wallace stepped back from his role last week after a BBC News report surfaced allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and behavior directed at him.

His legal team has denied any claims of sexual harassment.

There were two Christmas specials planned to air on BBC One later this month.

It seems the celebrity contestants involved in the specials are being informed about the reasons for the show's cancellation.

A BBC spokesperson said: “As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned.

“The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them.”

In a statement issued on Friday, the BBC said viewers could "expect fireworks, great Christmas banter and good food".

The first show, Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off, had The Wanted's Max George, Emmerdale's Amy Walsh, reality star Luca Bish, and comedian Shazia Mirza participating.

The second one, titled MasterChef Meets Strictly Festive Extravaganza, was set to include Amy Dowden, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington, and Nancy Xu from Strictly Come Dancing, with Motsi Mabuse presenting a challenge.

According to a BBC spokesperson, three reruns of an older Inside the Factory series won’t be aired on BBC Two leading up to Christmas.

There won’t be any changes to the content available on iPlayer.

'Life-changing for the chefs'

On Monday, the BBC faced increasing calls to think about putting MasterChef on hold while Wallace is being looked into.

Rupa Huq MP, who is a member of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said the continued broadcast of MasterChef could be "triggering" for the women involved.

The BBC later confirmed that all the MasterChef episodes that were filmed will be shown as scheduled, including the Christmas specials.

“MasterChef is life-changing for the chefs that take part and the show is about more than one individual," a BBC source said on Monday afternoon.

On Monday night, BBC One aired the newest episode of MasterChef: The Professionals. However, on Tuesday, it was announced that the holiday specials won’t be shown anymore.

LATEST: Sean 'Diddy' Combs Refused to Settle Cassie Ventura Lawsuit, Drama Unfolds!.

Wallace Apology

Wallace apologized for implying that the allegations against him originated from "a handful of middle-class women of a certain age".

The TV host had said on Sunday there had been "13 complaints" from "over 4,000 contestants" he had worked with in 20 years on the BBC cookery show.

His remarks sparked a strong reaction, with a spokesperson from Downing Street calling them "inappropriate and misogynistic."

He shared a new video on his Instagram story on Monday, where he said "I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday, and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people.

"I wasn't in a good head space when I posted it. I've been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege, yesterday, when I posted it."

He concluded: "It's obvious to me I need to take some time out while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope that you will accept this apology."

A BBC News investigation spoke to 13 individuals of various ages who were involved in five different shows.

Banijay UK, the production company, announced that they are looking into the matter, and Wallace is cooperating with the inquiry. The BBC stated that they are always open to hearing from anyone who wants to bring something to their attention directly.

Among those who have made allegations against Wallace is former BBC Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, who claimed he shared stories and jokes of a "sexualized nature" in front of contestants and crew during her time on Celebrity MasterChef.

There have been various claims about Wallace, including him being pretty open about his sex life, taking off his shirt in front of a female colleague while saying he wanted to "give her a fashion show," and telling a junior female staff member that he wasn't wearing any boxers under his jeans.

BBC News also talked to a former MasterChef employee who mentioned that he showed her shirtless photos of himself and asked for massages. Another ex-worker from Channel 5's Gregg Wallace's Big Weekends said he was really curious about her dating women and wanted to know how that worked.

In 2019, a female MasterChef staff member reported that Wallace discussed his sex life, while another woman from the BBC Good Food Show in 2010 said he was caught staring at her chest. A male colleague from MasterChef in 2005-06 noted that Wallace often made sexually explicit comments on set.

On the flip side, some people have shared more positive experiences with Wallace. A former worker from Inside the Factory told the BBC that he made a lot of "dad jokes," but it never crossed any lines.

A past employee from MasterChef mentioned that nothing during her time there raised any red flags. Another person shared that she didn’t think there was any bad intent behind his remarks, even though she could see why some folks might have felt uneasy.

Wallace has also shared posts on social media from former contestants who expressed that they had good experiences working with him.

The BBC has canceled its MasterChef Christmas specials following serious allegations against host Gregg Wallace. Although initially set to air, the specials were pulled after reports surfaced of inappropriate sexual comments and behavior by Wallace, which he denies. While he apologized for his comments regarding the allegations, the controversy led to significant backlash.

Despite the cancellation of the holiday episodes, regular MasterChef programming continues. Wallace is cooperating with an ongoing investigation, and the BBC remains open to hearing from those with further concerns. The situation has sparked wider conversations about accountability in the entertainment industry.