MasterChef presenter John Torode has addressed the misconduct allegations against co-host Gregg Wallace for the first time.
He said: “The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear.”
In a statement posted on Instagram, Torode said he had been away filming MasterChef overseas since last Friday, shortly after the allegations were made public.
He also confirmed his future on the long-running show after Wallace stepped down while an investigation into his alleged behaviour takes place.
"I love my job, and I love MasterChef," he said. "I love being part of it and will continue to be part of it.
"During the last few days, I've been trying to make the best cookery programme, so being busy making the show and caring for our contestants has allowed me little time to think about anything else, but that has been hard."
Torode said he "fully" supports the investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour, but could not comment further while it is ongoing.
He added: "I hope that you all understand and respect my silence on the matter moving forward.”
His remarks come a day after two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials were pulled from the BBC's schedule.
The broadcaster previously announced a Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza as part of its festive schedule, both billed as hour-long programmes for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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."
Wallace, 60, apologised on Monday for claiming complaints about his behaviour came from "a handful of middle-class women of a certain age", adding he will now "take some time out".
He faces allegations from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News on Thursday, with many others since sharing their experiences.
