{"id":47944,"date":"2025-08-06T13:07:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T13:07:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/47944\/"},"modified":"2025-08-06T13:07:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T13:07:14","slug":"masterchef-fans-react-to-first-new-episodes-with-gregg-wallace-and-john-torode","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/47944\/","title":{"rendered":"MasterChef fans react to first new episodes with Gregg Wallace and John Torode"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Viewers are \u2018refusing to watch\u2019 the first new episodes of Gregg Wallace <\/a>and John Torode<\/a>\u2019s MasterChef <\/a>series after it was released on BBC<\/a> iPlayer following their sacking.<\/p>\n

Last month, the BBC confirmed that they would release the unaired series following an independent review that upheld 45 out of the 83 allegations against Wallace<\/a> and a racial language allegation against c<\/a>o-star Torode<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The corporation deliberated whether or not to air it, but ultimately decided it was the \u2018right thing to do\u2019<\/a> for the cooks to be \u2018properly recognised\u2019.<\/p>\n

The first three episodes of the 21st series were added to iPlayer early on Wednesday morning ahead of the first episode appearing on BBC One at 8pm.<\/p>\n

Both presenters can be seen in the introduction shots of episode one, as Torode says: \u2018This is the sort of stuff that dreams are made of\u2019, while Wallace tells a contestant \u2018that is a cracker of a job\u2019.<\/p>\n

However, commenting on social media, many fans voiced their disapproval.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"MasterChef
\n\t\tJohn Torode and Gregg Wallace feature heavily in the latest series of MasterChef (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"MasterChef
\n\t\tThe corporation weighed up whether or not to release the series following the allegations against both presenters (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n

Taking to X, @kiddinme wrote: \u2018Won\u2019t be watching anymore after all these years.\u2019<\/p>\n

@phillycurlywigs added: \u2018Why is this on BBC 1 after what\u2019s happened? I get it\u2019s far to contestants but stick it only on iPlayer not prime time otherwise what\u2019s the point of you sacking them?\u2019<\/p>\n

@gaulmoylestown also said: \u2018Nope, after 20+ years of viewing and enjoying contestants journeys with @GreggAWallace & @JohnTorode1 not for me anymore, goodbye @MasterChefUK.\u2019<\/p>\n

But while many fans vented their frustrations, some were more optimistic, explaining that they were still planning on watching the new series.<\/p>\n

@Julybird wrote: \u2018Thank you for showing it, one of my favourite things to watch on TV. I will put to the back of my mind the presenters and enjoy the efforts of the contestants which is what the show is all about.\u2019<\/p>\n

@Elizabe87334323 also commented: \u2018I\u2019ll be watching, regardless, because those contestants deserve to have their series aired.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"MasterChef
\n\t\tTorode can be seen fanning away steam inside the kitchen (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"TX
\n\t\tThe corporation felt airing the series was the \u2018right thing to do\u2019 for the cooks (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n

The BBC is yet to make a decision regarding whether to air the celebrity series and the Christmas special.<\/p>\n

In November 2024 it was announced that Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.<\/p>\n

Following the report from Banijay UK last month, Wallace issued an apology saying he was \u2018deeply sorry for any distress caused\u2019 and that he \u2018never set out to harm or humiliate\u2019 in the wake of the Lewis Silkin review <\/p>\n

Discussing his allegation of using racist language, Torode also said he had \u2018no recollection of the incident\u2019 and was \u2018\u201c\u2019shocked and saddened\u2019 by the allegation.<\/p>\n

Towards the end of last month, a MasterChef contestant claimed she was \u2018pressured\u2019 by the BBC to be edited out <\/a>of the upcoming series.<\/p>\n

Sarah Shafi, a leadership and management development partner for St John Ambulance from Leeds,\u00a0was a contestant for the 21st series.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"TX
\n\t\tMany fans shared their disappointment over the series being aired (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"TX
\n\t\tWallace and Torode will feature throughout the 21st series (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n

However, during an appearance on Newsnight she claimed she was \u2018coerced\u2019 into being edited out in order for the series to go ahead.<\/p>\n

She said: \u2018I felt I was being pressurised into saying yes [to the programme going ahead]. They were saying, \u201cThese people\u2019s lives have been changed,\u201d well, some people\u2019s lives. There were 50 contestants, I\u2019m one of them, my life hasn\u2019t changed, so it\u2019s probably the top 10 people.\u2019<\/p>\n

She continued: \u2018I felt like I was being coerced into saying, \u201cYes, go ahead then, go on then.\u201d\u2019<\/p>\n

Speaking on Good Morning Britain last week, she then discussed her experience alongside Wallace<\/a>, saying: \u2018It wasn\u2019t a big deal for me. I\u2019m an older woman and a woman of that certain age, and I can kind of spot that creep, and you just go, I\u2019ll just get on with it.<\/p>\n

\u2018After I left the show, I think the main thing I felt was relief.\u2019<\/p>\n

The new season of MasterChef is available to watch on BBC iPlayer or tonight at 8pm.<\/p>\n

Got a story?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n


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