John Torode, left, and Gregg Wallace have presented MasterChef since 2005
A second MasterChef contestant has been edited out of this year’s scandal-hit series, BBC News can reveal.
A spokesperson for the show’s production company, Banijay, said: “One other contributor decided that given recent events they would like not to be included. We have of course accepted their wishes and edited them out of the show.”
Another contestant, Sarah Shafi, was also removed from the series after asking for it not to be broadcast, following a report which upheld claims against hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
The BBC decided to still show this year’s amateur series, which was filmed before the pair were sacked, saying it was “the right thing to do” for the chefs who took part.
But it faced a backlash from some women who came forward, while the broadcast union Bectu said bad behaviour “should not be rewarded with prime-time coverage”.
Former Celebrity MasterChef contestant and BBC journalist Kirsty Wark also suggested the BBC could have refilmed the series without the two co-hosts.
In the event, both Wallace and Torode remain in the series, which began last week on BBC One and on iPlayer.
But the episodes appear to have been edited to include fewer jokes than usual, with less chat between them and the chefs.
The episode which would have featured the second contestant was broadcast on BBC One on Wednesday night, but only featured five chefs rather than the usual six.
BBC News understands the individual has asked not to be identified and they will not feature in the show.
It’s believed Shafi’s episode has not yet aired.
The BBC previously said it had not been “an easy decision” to run the series, adding that there was “widespread support” among the chefs for it going ahead.
“In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters,” it said.
“However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.”
Upheld complaints
The controversy over MasterChef started last year, when BBC News first revealed claims of misconduct against Wallace.
Last month, a report by the show’s production company Banijay revealed that 83 complaints had been made against Wallace with more than 40 upheld, including one of unwelcome physical contact and another three of being in a state of undress.
He has insisted he was cleared of “the most serious and sensational allegations”.
In a recent interview with The Sun, he said he was “so sorry” to anyone he hurt, but insisted that he was “not a groper, a sex pest or a flasher”.
The upheld complaint against Torode related to a severely offensive racist term allegedly used on the set of MasterChef in 2018.
The presenter said he had “no recollection” of it and that any racist language is “wholly unacceptable”.
Wallace will be replaced by Irish chef Anna Haugh in the final episodes of the new series, as that is when the allegations against him first emerged during filming in November.
THEY were the larger than life characters who ruled the MasterChef kitchen for 20 years.
But as Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s reign as judges ended under a murky cloud of accusations of sexist and racist language, the relationship between the two men publicly soured quicker than warm milk.
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John Torode and Gregg Wallace have co-presented MasterChef for 20 yearsCredit: Twitter/John Torode
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The duo’s reign as judges on the show ended under a murky cloud of accusations of sexist and racist languageCredit: PA
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Despite their on-screen chemistry winning them an army of fans, their relationship behind the scenes seems unconventional to say the leastCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
They may have known each other for more than 30 years, but their relationship has always been complicated.
But those who know Wallace, 60, and Torode, 59, best are unlikely to be surprised that battle lines were drawn.
Despite their on-screen chemistry winning them an army of fans, their relationship behind the scenes seems unconventional to say the least.
As Torode once said bluntly: “It’s funny, we’ve never been friends.”
After moving to the UK in the 1990s, Australian Torode was working at a London restaurant when he first encountered Wallace, who was the owner of George Allan’s Greengrocers.
And despite their good working relationship as chef and supplier, in 2013 Torode spoke about his doubts about Wallace for MasterChef.
“In 2005 I was asked to go to an interview about some cooking show and Karen Ross, the boss at Shine, the production company involved, said, ‘I’d love you to do it, but I need to audition people to partner you with.’ I had everyone from AA Gill to Oliver Peyton,” he told The Independent.
“One day she asked, ‘Do you know a guy called Gregg Wallace?’ I had misgivings, as Gregg was big, brash and loud.
The Gregg Wallace Interview Part Two
“Actually, nothing has changed, except no one expected the success the show has had.”
And Wallace had a similar view of Torode from their old days, recalling their first meeting: “It was a hot day and the kitchen door was open into the alleyway and I saw this young brash Aussie chef with his trousers rolled up around his knees, a tartan baseball cap, and a voice that was as loud as his attire.”
But working together so closely filming MasterChef – which returned today – was always going to take its toll on two big characters.
Torode told The Independent: “Spending 200 days a year filming together, we got a lot closer, but any relationship where you spend that much time together inevitably gets strained.
“We used to fight about stuff, as we’re both so opinionated. In the first series it was over [eventual winner] Thomasina Miers, as Gregg had said, ‘There’s no way I want her.’
“Then in the second round he said, ‘I want her.’ And I said, ‘You git, how can you hate someone vehemently one day then like them?’”
6am phone calls
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Torode claimed Gregg used to call him up at 6amCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Torode said the pair used to fight about stuff because they’re “both so opinionated”Credit: IAN YATES/FAMOUS
Wallace has said there is no-one he is closer to, other than his mum, than Torode and has praised his former co-star for supporting him with his mental health struggles.
But it has seemed that it is Torode who has wanted to keep their relationship purely professional, complaining about everything from Wallace’s 6am phone calls to his OCD tendencies.
Speaking to The Times in 2022, Torode said: “We know each other so well. But that’s not to say we don’t have our moments.
“With Gregg my issue is the 6am phone calls. Last time it happened I wasn’t very happy and I said, ‘Gregg, mate, it’s 6am.’ And he said, ‘But you’re on my list!’
“That’s the thing with Gregg, he gets up very early and his whole life is diarised and run on lists. Anyway, the next time I saw him face to face I sensed that disturbance in the force — I knew there was something wrong. I said, ‘Mate, come on, what’s up?’
“He said, ‘You weren’t very nice to me on the phone the other morning.’ I said, ‘It was 6am!’ and he said, ‘But I get up at 5am and you were on my list!’
Best man… but ‘not friends’
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Torode was Wallace’s best man at his fourth wedding to Anne-Marie Sterpini
But in 2013 Torode was the one who said he would be open to expanding their friendship, but Wallace’s OCD made it complicated.
He claimed: “Gregg has rules in the dressing-room that are pretty easy to understand as they are vocalised quite often.
“Things like, ‘Don’t put anything on my table, don’t touch my stuff and stay on the left-hand side of the room until lunch.’
“I know that, with his OCD, if I went to his house, say, I’d have to sit in a certain place. It’s frustrating, as I’m open [to expanding the friendship], but I don’t feel Gregg is.
“But he’s also given me so much: he’s taught me the importance of being self-deprecating and he’s made me laugh at myself. He’s fun and very funny.”
But it was just a year later that Torode said they weren’t even friends.
“It’s funny, we’ve never been friends,” he told The Mirror.
“We’ve not been to each other’s houses… He’s so OCD, he wouldn’t know what to do. He’d build it up in his mind for three days, and probably make himself quite sick, then he’d have an argument with his wife and not turn up.
“If I went to his house, he would feel like he wasn’t in control.”
Fractured
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The duo fell out over series one winner Thomasina MiersCredit: Camera Press
Whatever their relationship was before the MasterChef scandal saw them both out of a job, it seems that it is now fractured beyond repair.
The pair were both fired by the BBC last month after a report into the cooking show upheld allegations against them.
The report revealed that more than 40 complaints against Wallace had been upheld, including one of unwelcome physical contact and another three of being in a state of undress.
He has insisted he was cleared of “the most serious and sensational allegations”.
The upheld complaint against Torode related to a severely offensive racist term allegedly used on the set of MasterChef in 2018.
The presenter said he had “no recollection” of it and that any racist language is “wholly unacceptable”.
Despite unfollowing Torode and his wife Lisa on social media, Wallace defended Torode in an interview with The Sun, saying: “I’ve known John for 30 years and he is not a racist.”
But he added: “We never really did get on that well. We’re two very, very different characters.
“But we made bloody good telly together for 20 years.”
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Despite unfollowing Torode and his wife Lisa on social media, Wallace defended him in an interview with The Sun, insisting he is not a racistCredit: PA
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Gregg Wallace broke down while discussing the MasterChef scandal in an exclusive interviewCredit: Dan Charity
The BBC and Banijay UK are reportedly still planning to air the final MasterChef series featuring axed Gregg Wallace and John Torode despite findings – and when the ‘dust settles’
Gregg Wallace and John Torode fronted MasterChef for years(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
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.
John Torode and Gregg Wallace have left MasterChef but their final series could air(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
“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.”
EXCLUSIVE: A PR expert has weighed in on the future careers for Gregg Wallace and John Torode after they have now both been axed from MasterChef amid damning claims
14:07, 16 Jul 2025Updated 14:07, 16 Jul 2025
John Torode and Gregg Wallace have left MasterChef in scandal(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s secure futures on TV have been shattered following their axes from MasterChef after 20 years. Former greengcrocer Wallace, 60, was given the boot first following multiple allegations levelled at him.
This week, a report from legal firm Lewis Silkin said 45 out of 83 accusations against Wallace were corroborated. The report stated that two other people had substantiated claims about them.
Just hours later, Torode outed himself as one of the individual’s as he said he’d been accused of using a racist remark. The TV chef, 59, has insisted he does not remember saying the “offensive” slur, which he is said to have made eight years ago.
Wallace and Torode have both been axed from MasterChef(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
Last night, Torode said he only learned about his sacking for using it through the BBC News website, as he followed Wallace out of the door. Following the shock double axing, a PR expert has revealed to the Mirror what the future may look like for the pair.
Celebrity PR Specialist Kayley Cornelius told us: “While MasterChef may be able to recover from this controversy, the same optimism can’t be shared for host Gregg Wallace, whose presenting career will now undoubtedly be over. With an overwhelming number of upheld accounts against him, it would take a broadcaster with real guts to commission him for another TV show.
“In an age of cancel culture, and with broadcasters already struggling to hold on to viewers, many simply can’t afford to take the risk of welcoming Wallace back—not just financially, but internally too. Given the risk he poses to himself and others, if he were to return to the studios, I’m sure many staff would begin to turn their backs and protest against working with him.”
She explained: “The presenting sector is quickly becoming a saturated space, with new talent constantly emerging. Like a revolving door, when one leaves, there’s always another ready to step in—reducing demand.
“For Gregg, his path is already mapped out. It only takes looking at similar cases, such as Wynne Evans and Phillip Schofield —who have both recently faced comparable allegations and have since struggled to return to TV—to see what lies ahead for him. I believe history will repeat itself.”
Kayley believes Torode may stand an ever so slightly better chance despite the claim against him. Speaking to the Mirror on behalf of Betfeed, she said: “For co-host John Torode however, it may be a slightly different story.
“His TV career hangs in the balance, and only time will tell what his future could look like. If more allegations and statements come to light, like Wallace, it would likely be game over for him, too.
“Although, if the incident at hand remains an isolated account, there’s potential he could edge his way back into the industry—provided he takes some time away, proves to fans that he is sincerely sorry, and shows he has changed since those remarks.”
She concluded: “That said, like Gregg, he also faces the same issue of broadcasters not being able to invest in risky talent for fear of losing viewers. So, while there is a chance John could return to TV depending on the outcome of further investigations, I don’t believe it would be on the same scale as prime-time, and he may have to return on a smaller level.”
In awkward timing, BBC Director General Tim Davie was grilled on the future of MasterChef during the release of the annual report. Asked exactly what Torode said, Mr Davie last night replied: “I’m not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly it was serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.”
In relation to MasterChef’s future, the BBC boss continued: “I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that’s loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we’ve got to make sure we’re in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.”
John Torode, who has presented BBC’s MasterChef with Gregg Wallace since it was revived as MasterChef Goes Large in 2005, said he had “no recollection of the incident”
00:43, 15 Jul 2025Updated 00:50, 15 Jul 2025
John Torode has confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language(Image: BBC)
John Torode says he is “shocked and saddened” by the allegation he used racist language working on MasterChef.
The presenter, who has hosted the BBC show with Gregg Wallace since it was revived as MasterChef Goes Large in 2005, insists he has “absolutely no recollection” of the incident, which was upheld as part of a review into the behaviour of Wallace.
Now, it has emerged two standalone allegations were made against other people, one of which was the use of racist language made by 59-year-old Torode. Speaking last night in the wake of the fresh developments, another blow to the MasterChef brand, Torode said: “Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld.
“For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.
“I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
Gregg Wallace and John Torode have fronted MasterChef for nearly 20 years(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
The chef, who has also been a regular on This Morning, posted his piece on Instagram following Wallace’s statement, in which he said he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused”. The entrepreneur, originally from Peckham, southeast London, added he “never set out to harm or humiliate” in the wake of the report, which said one allegation of “unwelcome physical contact” was upheld. In all, 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, the report by MasterChef production company Banijay UK and led by law firm Lewis Silkin found.
As soon as the investigation into the historical allegations of misconduct was opened last year, Wallace stepped down from his role on the BBC programme. Yet, in a statement last week, the father of three made a reference to “trial by media” – despite dozens of allegations being upheld.
“For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended,” Wallace, who has also been on Saturday Kitchen, said.
The report found that the “majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018”, with only one allegation substantiated after 2018. MasterChef returned to our screens in 2005 – after a four-year break – under the guise of MasterChef Goes Large and has since been branded as MasterChef. Two Christmas specials scheduled to air in the festive period last year were pulled by the BBC amid the investigation.
