MasterChef will air for at least another four years despite the Gregg Wallace scandal, it was reported on Friday.
The BBC cooking show was recently said to have been “hanging on by a thread” amid the scandal, but Banijay, the production company behind MasterChef, has now confirmed that the show will be on the BBC for at least four more years despite the controversy.
Bectu, the creative industries union, released a statement seemingly confirming the future of MasterChef on the BBC.
“Following the terrible revelations about alleged unacceptable behaviour by Gregg Wallace, a number of MasterChef freelancers approached us, afraid of losing their jobs,” the statement said.
“We have been in urgent talks with producers, Banijay. Today, we received positive news: Banijay has had ‘absolute confirmation from the BBC that they are fully committed to the current series of MasterChef and the show for at least the next 4 years.
“Filming will continue. We are delighted that Banijay and the BBC will stand by the talent behind MasterChef. We would urge anyone affected by the revelations to come forward in confidence, either to us, or to one of the many supportive groups involved.”
The statement concluded: “Bullying, harassment, unwanted sexual conduct or any behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable is unacceptable. We will stand together and protect each other.”
Filming on the 21st season of the show concluded this week in Athens, Greece, and it was earmarked to air in spring 2025, with future series left plagued with uncertainty as the show became engulfed by allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Wallace.
Last week Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, announced that Wallace would be “stepping away from his role on MasterChef” following complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct.
He has since faced a string of allegations of inappropriate behaviour, with BBC News reporting that one woman said he touched her bottom after an event and another said he pressed his crotch against her while filming on a different show.
His lawyers have previously strongly denied “he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.
Presenter John Torode confirmed his future on the long-running show this week in wake of the allegations against his co-star.
Celebrity chef James Martin has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Wallace as one of Masterchef’s presenters if he doesn’t return to the show for future series following the investigation into his conduct being carried out by Banijay.
Bookies BetFred have priced him as favourite, with odds of 5/2 to replace Gregg
Trailing behind him are John’s wife Lisa Faulkner (who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2010) with odds of 3/1, Nigella Lawson at 4/1 and Gino D’Acampo at 5/1.
The BBC has been contacted for comment about its future plans for Masterchef.
