Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez recently shared his experience of filming a special MasterChef episode,
which was unfortunately pulled from the BBC schedule after allegations against host Gregg Wallace emerged.
The celebrity-filled festive special, which was to feature a group of well-known faces including Marquez, was set to air as part of the network’s Christmas programming.
However, the show was removed from the lineup in December after accusations of misconduct surfaced against Wallace.
Gregg Wallace’s Allegations Lead to Withdrawal of Christmas Special
The decision to pull the MasterChef Christmas special came in light of multiple accusations made against Wallace, 60,
who stepped down from his hosting duties after allegations of inappropriate behavior surfaced. The accusations against Wallace, which include making sexually inappropriate comments, jokes, and advances toward crew members, triggered a swift response from the BBC. Wallace’s behavior was reportedly subject to an external review, even though the complainants had not raised formal allegations with producers directly. The chef has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them “entirely false” and maintaining his innocence through public statements.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed in early December that two episodes, including the Strictly-themed special, would no longer be broadcasted, as the “current circumstances” surrounding Wallace’s departure from the show made it inappropriate to air these festive segments. This decision meant that the public would never get to see Marquez, alongside other celebrities, compete in the kitchen for the special.
Gorka Marquez Reflects on the MasterChef Experience
Despite the unfortunate cancellation, Marquez has opened up about his time on set, sharing that he thoroughly enjoyed filming the episode. “I can tell you it was fun to film,” the 34-year-old dancer admitted, adding with a hint of humor, “Maybe now I have to do the main MasterChef show so I can follow in Vito’s steps!”
Marquez was referring to his Strictly co-star Vito Coppola, who won the celebrity edition of MasterChef in 2024. The dancer, known for his culinary passion, had a natural affinity for cooking that made his victory unsurprising to Marquez. “I wasn’t surprised he won because on every Strictly tour he was always cooking and he loves food. That’s why he was so good,” Marquez explained in a recent interview with Radio Times.
For fans of Strictly and MasterChef, this special episode would have been a highly anticipated crossover, showcasing some of the dancing stars’ hidden talents in the kitchen. Marquez’s light-hearted remark about following in Vito’s footsteps speaks to the camaraderie among the Strictly dancers and their support for each other’s achievements.
The Impact of the Scandal on MasterChef
The controversy surrounding Gregg Wallace has raised important questions about boundaries and professional behavior, especially in the context of public figures working on television productions. The allegations have led to a reassessment of how such behavior is handled within the industry, as well as how such situations are dealt with by networks like the BBC.
While MasterChef: The Professionals continues as planned, the celebrity Christmas specials were a different matter entirely. These festive episodes often bring together stars from various fields to showcase their talents outside of their usual professional environments. Unfortunately, the accusations against Wallace made it impossible for the BBC to air these shows, leaving both viewers and participants disappointed.
Gorka Marquez Balances Family and Career
Amidst the MasterChef drama, Marquez also discussed his decision to not take part in this year’s Strictly tour. “Strictly is quite intense,” he explained, acknowledging the physical and emotional toll that the competition takes on its participants. He also emphasized the importance of balancing his career with spending time with his family, including his wife, Gemma Atkinson, and their young children.
Marquez and Atkinson, who met on Strictly in 2017, share a daughter and a son. Marquez highlighted the significance of family time, saying, “They are five and one, and this time will never come back.” He went on to praise his wife for her strength and dedication, noting that she manages most of the family duties on her own while he is away for work, though he is grateful for the support from her parents who live nearby.
Gemma Atkinson, whom Marquez describes as a “superhero,” continues to manage the household while balancing her own career. Marquez’s heartfelt words reflect his deep appreciation for his wife’s efforts, especially as they raise two young children together.
Looking Ahead for Gorka Marquez
While Marquez may have missed the Strictly tour this year, his love for food and his natural charm are likely to lead to more opportunities in the future. Given his fondness for cooking, it seems only a matter of time before he takes on another culinary challenge—perhaps following in Vito’s footsteps on the main MasterChef stage.
As for the MasterChef Christmas special, although it was pulled from airwaves, Marquez’s reflections on the experience remind us that even in the face of scandal, there are moments of fun and camaraderie that make such shows enjoyable for both participants and fans alike.
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