The future of MasterChef remains uncertain as the long-running cooking competition has been placed on hold amid an ongoing investigation 

into allegations against co-presenter Gregg Wallace. 

The BBC reportedly feels it has no choice but to delay the show’s return until the inquiry is completed, leaving the series in a state of limbo.

Allegations Surface Against Gregg Wallace

Wallace, 60, who has co-hosted MasterChef for nearly two decades alongside John Torode, 

stepped away from the show following multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior. 

Reports suggest that Wallace was accused of making sexist remarks and engaging in misconduct toward contestants. Despite the claims, he has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

The controversy first came to light in November last year, when the BBC launched an investigation into the complaints. Although a series of MasterChef featuring amateur contestants had nearly finished filming, Wallace’s sudden departure required adjustments. Chef Anna Haugh was brought in to replace him for the remaining days of production.

With the season now fully edited and ready for broadcast, the BBC remains reluctant to schedule its release, opting instead to wait for the inquiry’s outcome. Legal professionals from the firm Lewis Silkin are conducting the investigation, speaking with past contestants, production staff, and Wallace himself—though he has yet to provide his formal response.

Difficulties in Editing Wallace Out of the Show

Unlike some other TV programs, MasterChef relies heavily on its presenters to engage with contestants and provide critiques. This has made it impossible to remove Wallace from the episodes already filmed. Since he appears in key segments tasting dishes alongside Torode, cutting his presence would significantly disrupt the show’s structure.

Given this challenge, the BBC and production company Banijay have been left with limited options. While canceling the season entirely would be unfair to contestants who worked hard to compete, airing it before the investigation concludes could spark backlash. The network is, therefore, taking a cautious approach, awaiting the final findings before making a decision.

Impact on MasterChef Spin-Offs

The scandal has already affected other aspects of the MasterChef franchise. A planned celebrity Christmas special was scrapped, and questions remain about the show’s long-term future.

Meanwhile, in January, food critic Grace Dent began filming Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode. While it’s uncertain whether she will permanently replace Wallace, her involvement has fueled speculation about changes to the presenting lineup. The status of Torode himself has also been brought into question, leaving the show’s future unclear.

Wallace’s Response and Public Reaction

As the controversy unfolded, Wallace defended himself through legal representatives, insisting that he had never engaged in any form of sexual harassment. However, he further stirred debate when he initially dismissed the allegations, attributing them to “middle-class women of a certain age.” Following criticism, he later issued an apology, admitting he had been under stress when making the remarks.

Since stepping away from MasterChef, Wallace has largely kept a low profile, making few public appearances. He was last seen in late November when the allegations were first reported. Recently, he was spotted in his Kent neighborhood, running errands and appearing serious as he drove through town.

Friends and locals say he has been “lying low,” focusing on family life and his business, Gregg Wallace Health. He briefly returned to social media earlier this month, sharing a video on how to make protein pancakes, signaling a gradual reemergence from the public eye.

Investigation Expected to Conclude Soon

The external review into Wallace’s behavior, commissioned by Banijay, is expected to wrap up by the end of February. However, with the presenter yet to be interviewed by investigators, it remains unclear when final conclusions will be reached. A spokesperson for the production company confirmed that the inquiry is still in progress, with no set date for public release.

For now, Wallace’s career hangs in the balance, as he awaits the outcome of the investigation. Sources indicate that he has come to realize the severity of the situation, acknowledging that he must wait for the process to unfold before considering his next steps.

Meanwhile, MasterChef remains in a state of uncertainty, with its return hinging on the resolution of the ongoing inquiry. Whether Wallace will return to the show—or whether the BBC will make permanent changes to its hosting lineup—remains to be seen.

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