MasterChef was pulled off air earlier this year after 13 women made complaints about presenter Gregg Wallace, 60 – but bosses are still holding out hope it could be shown in some form
Despite Gregg Wallace’s departure from MasterChef, BBC and Banijay executives believe the pre-recorded series might still be salvageable. One possibility is that the £8million cookery competition, initially intended for 24 hour-long episodes on BBC1, could be released exclusively on iPlayer.
The decision on its future rests with BBC Director General Tim Davie, who must determine whether to air it on BBC1, iPlayer, or cancel it altogether. The BBC stated that a decision will be made after the release of the Lewis Silkin law firm’s report later this week.
The Daily Star reached out to Banijay for comment.
Inside information
An insider revealed: “Once the report comes out, we will all know what the legal review has found. Gregg has claimed that many of the more serious allegations against him have not been upheld, and has apologised for the rude and inappropriate language he used, causing complaints that were upheld. The feeling is the series is not dead yet – there are high hopes that it could yet see the light of day.”
The 24-part pre-recorded series was put on hold earlier this year after 13 women came forward with complaints about presenter Wallace, 60. Since then, BBC News reported that 50 additional allegations have been made against him, ranging from inappropriate language to groping and sexual intimidation, which he strongly denies.
Sources say
Sources close to the show, which was recorded last year, claim it would be “impossible” to completely remove him from the programme. As a judge alongside John Torode, Wallace is a crucial part of the format, and editing the series to reduce his screen time has also been deemed unfeasible, reports the Mirror.
This development comes amid speculation that the series winner is contemplating legal action due to their victory not being aired. An insider revealed: “For that person, the series not being shown has massive ramifications. They may well have wanted to launch a cookery career off the back of it and now feel that this controversy is preventing that opportunity – through no fault of their own.”
For contestants, particularly those who reach the final and the winner, participating in MasterChef is a significant opportunity. The show has been life-changing for many individuals who have gone on to pursue careers in cooking.
“These 24 episodes are finished and have been delivered to the BBC. To not show them would be a huge waste of licence fee payers’ money,” an insider stated.
Options on the table
“One option is to limit the amateur series with Gregg as presenter to just an iPlayer showing. However, it deserves more than that because the brand is huge for the BBC and many viewers enjoy watching it on BBC1.”
Last year, the show marked its 20th anniversary with a gathering of 72 former contestants, including many champions whose careers took a new direction as a result of their participation. The show’s dedicated production team has been working tirelessly to prepare for the 21st series.
The BBC1 series, which reportedly cost around £8million to produce, was initially scheduled to air earlier this year but was postponed due to ongoing reviews.
Torode expected to remain
John Torode, Wallace’s co-host, is anticipated to remain on the show, likely joined by a new presenter, possibly Grace Gent. Gent previously filled in for Wallace on the celebrity edition earlier this year, which was filmed in the new Birmingham studio and is expected to commence next month.
Another potential candidate is Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt, who was brought in for MasterChef: The Professionals alongside judges Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti. Filming for that series is nearing completion and it is expected to broadcast towards the end of the year in its usual slot.
No decision from Beeb
The BBC has stated that no decision has been made regarding whether the amateur version will be aired, or who will take over as the main series’ next presenter.
The regular version of MasterChef typically airs in the spring and this year it has been replaced by a variety of programmes including The Repair Shop on the Road and reruns of Who Do You Think You Are?
Casting for the 22nd series of MasterChef, featuring Gregg Wallace, is already in progress, despite uncertainty over the fate of the 21st series. Applications are currently open via the show’s Instagram account.
Supporters of Wallace argue that he is being unfairly targeted by those seeking to safeguard the highly valued MasterChef brand. They claim his only fault is a “terrible sense of humour” and a tendency to make crude jokes at inappropriate times.
Numerous allegations
However, numerous allegations against him, some dating back more than 14 years, include indecent exposure, groping and inappropriate sexual remarks.
The official report is anticipated to be released today (THURS) or tomorrow, with Wallace asserting it will merely be a brief executive summary rather than the complete findings.
He has questioned why “others” on the programme have not also been subject to investigation following complaints, stating in a social media post earlier this week: “What really concerns me about the short summary is others who have been found guilty of serious allegations have been erased from the published version of events. I, and I’m sure the public, would like to know why?”.
Wallace has also engaged a solicitor and pledged to contest his dismissal, declaring: “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
