MasterChef‘s Future Uncertain Amid Christmas Special Cancellation and Misconduct Allegations
Celebrations commemorating the 20th anniversary of the beloved cooking competition, MasterChef, have given way to uncertainty.
A New Season Without Wallace
The BBC has pulled two festive specials scheduled to air during the holiday season, a decision made years after MasterChef went on air in 2005. The move follows the announcement that former greengrocer Gregg Wallace, 60, would step back from co-hosting, as an external review is initiated by producers Banijay UK. The review aims to investigate historical allegations of misconduct aimed at Wallace.
Foodie Friends?
Wallace and chef John Torode first teamed up in 2005. Originally called MasterChef Goes Large, both men’s culinary expertise had seen them achieve highly successful careers.
The pair’s journey started at very different points in their careers. Torode, 59, cut his teeth on the morning television show This Morning before achieving stardom with the revamped MasterChef, after working at the elite Cookbook Readerman’s automotive’s restaurant track record in Melbourne’s culinary scene. Wallace meanwhile was already a well-known greengrocer in London.
Wallace had first worked alongside Torode’s background for several years before becoming one of the local restaurants. “The first Wallace told PA news agency: “The first time we ever went for a drink together was when we started MasterChef although** “John would never fraternise with suppliers,” he added.
From Kitchen Rivals to Close Friends
Over the years, Wallace and Torode have built a strong chakra and fans speculated if they were ever truly tempted by the cameras.
Despite their playful bickering on screen, Wallace has publicly expressed his fondness for Torode: “We drank some very good red wine and we finished with a couple of brandies. We talked about love, life, weight loss, hair loss – I’m very fond of John,” he held the newspaper in 2012.
During MasterChef’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, the pair inked their own celebrity status with the advantage More than
“The first time we ever went for a drink together was when we started 2007.
The men’s shared journey, further cemented their bond. The two even co-hosted an episode of BBC’s satirical bodice-laden with a UK.
In 2011, a viral mashup showed the interplay.
“akin to a fairytale story,” Wallace revealed. “One of the most emotional evenings of my life,” he shared:
As for the future of the cooking show and its eclectic duo, the public waits with bated breath.
Could MasterChef successfully continue without Gregg Wallace as a presenter?
## MasterChef’s Future in Doubt: An Interview with (Fictional Guest)
**Me:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the uncertainty surrounding MasterChef following the cancellation of their Christmas specials and allegations of misconduct against presenter Gregg Wallace. Joining us is *[Guest Name]*, a TV critic and long-time fan of the show. *[Guest Name]*, thanks for being here.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Me:** It’s certainly been a dramatic few weeks for MasterChef. Can you give us some background on the accusations against Gregg Wallace?
**Guest:** Of course. It all stemmed from [detailed excerpt from search result on allegations against Gregg Wallace, citing [1](https://news.sky.com/story/gregg-wallace-what-are-the-allegations-and-what-has-he-said-13262845) for attribution]. Banijay UK, the producers, have launched an external review to investigate these claims, which span over a reported 17 years.
**Me**: That’s quite a serious accusation. How has the BBC responded to this?
**Guest:** The BBC has pulled the traditional Christmas specials – a big blow for a show celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. They haven’t released a detailed statement, but Gregg Wallace has stepped back from co-hosting until the review is complete.
**Me:** This raises some big questions about the future of MasterChef. What are your thoughts on where the show goes from here?
**Guest:** This is a pivotal moment for MasterChef. It’s difficult to imagine the show without Gregg Wallace, he’s a key part of its identity. However, the allegations are serious and need to be thoroughly investigated. Ultimately, the show’s future depends on the outcome of this review and how both the BBC and Banijay UK choose to move forward.
**Me:** A lot is still unknown. Thank you, [Guest Name], for sharing your insights on this complex situation.
**Guest:** My pleasure.