The BBC has U-turned from its original position on MasterChef by pulling Christmas episodes following the Gregg Wallace allegations.
The corporation had initially said that all filmed eps would still air, despite the fact that Wallace has stepped away from the show as producer Banijay UK investigates allegations of inappropriate behavior. Today, it has told BBC News that the Christmas eps will not air.
This comes after more than a dozen women accused Wallace of inappropriate behaviour and sexually inappropriate comments, including ex-Newsnight host Kirsty Wark.
Following that BBC News investigation last week, the BBC’s initial position was that it would continue to roll cameras, satisfying concerns from the likes of broadcasting union Bectu that pausing the show would lead to a loss of work for freelancers in a difficult market.
A BBC press release issued on Friday – after the Wallace allegations were made public – said a Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off and MasterChef Meets Strictly Festive Extravaganza would both be on in the holiday season, but today’s decision represents a U-turn.
The remaining episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals will continue airing over the next couple of weeks, we understand.
Wallace’s behavior reached the highest echelons of government, with a government spokesperson criticizing his initial response to the allegations after he claimed they came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age.”
He apologized more fully yesterday, saying “it’s obvious to me I need to take some time out” while an investigation into his behavior on set is conducted by Banijay.
The allegations span two decades and have sparked a wider conversation in the TV sector over presenter behavior and open secrets.
