Gregg Wallace’s final MasterChef series should air – his behaviour isn’t contestants’ fault
Not airing the latest season could close doors for people who have done absolutely nothing wrong.
The report into BBC’s MasterChef has been released and it’s even more alarming than I expected.
In total, 83 allegations were made against presenter Gregg Wallace, with 45 upheld – including one of unwelcome physical contact, three of being in a state of undress, seven allegations of bullying, and the majority relating to inappropriate sexual language and humour.
In the aftermath of the findings, the 60-year-old TV presenter told PA that he was ‘deeply sorry for any distress’ his behaviour caused.
The BBC has also apologised to ‘everyone who has been impacted’ by him and confirmed it has no plans to work with him in the future – as if it had a choice.
But the public broadcaster now faces another dilemma: should it air Gregg Wallace’s final series of MasterChef, which was mostly filmed before his suspension in 2024?
Initially, my gut reaction was simple: scrap it. Why on earth should it be shown? What could possibly justify airing it? Aside from the obvious answer: money.
It felt like a clear-cut decision. Wallace, once a household name, is completely unwatchable.
If the BBC is serious about accountability, this series should be shelved permanently.
