MasterChef Dilemma: BBC Navigates Presenter Allegations and Broadcast Decisions
The BBC is currently facing a significant conundrum surrounding the broadcast of the latest season of the popular cooking competition, MasterChef. The entire series has reportedly been filmed, featuring long-time presenter Gregg Wallace, but the broadcaster is in a suspense due to serious allegations of misconduct leveled against him. While Wallace has issued an apology for using “inappropriate” language, he maintains that an upcoming inquiry will exonerate him from the “most serious and sensational allegations.” The BBC, for its part, has adopted a strict policy of silence, awaiting the completion and publication of the findings from an investigation ordered by Banijay, the show’s production company.
A ‘Tough Decision’ for Broadcasters
Max Goldbart, International TV Editor at Deadline, describes the situation as an “extremely tough decision” for the BBC, highlighting that the corporation is “damned if they do show it, and damned if they don’t.” He emphasizes the competing objectives the BBC must consider, with critical conversations likely underway. One path is to proceed with broadcasting the series as originally scheduled. However, this decision is complicated by recent reports from BBC News, which state that an additional 50 individuals have come forward with allegations of inappropriate comments, touching, and groping against Wallace, all of which he denies. BBC News operates independently of the broader BBC corporation.
Goldbart suggests that regardless of the Banijay report’s outcome, airing the series could prove “very awkward,” potentially sparking a public backlash and causing distress to the women who have shared their experiences. He notes that even one former MasterChef worker, who alleges Wallace pulled his trousers down in front of her, feels that airing the show would demonstrate a “real lack of respect” for her and others. Similarly, another individual, who claims Wallace planted a kiss on her forehead, expressed feelings of being “disappointed and let down,” believing her experiences would be disregarded.
Conversely, shelving the cooking show is not without its own significant drawbacks. The production crew, having invested weeks of labor into the series, would see their efforts go to waste. Furthermore, the amateur chefs who participated would undoubtedly face deep disappointment if their hard work and achievements were never showcased. Irini Tzortzoglou, winner of the 2019 competition, described her experience as “life-changing,” leading to numerous opportunities. She conveyed that it would be “awful” for contestants who have waited with anticipation, only to have their efforts unseen.
Exploring the ‘iPlayer Option’
Thomasina Miers, the winner of MasterChef’s inaugural series in 2005 and a successful restaurateur, echoed these sentiments. She stressed the importance of the show for participants, stating, “It would be mad if they don’t show it. It’s a lot expecting people to turn up every day, give up their lives and income and not get paid, for it not to go out.”
A potential compromise being considered is releasing the series on BBC iPlayer, making it available for fans to stream on demand rather than broadcasting it during primetime television hours. This approach has been utilized by other broadcasters; for instance, ITV pulled the final episode of the drama “Viewpoint” in 2021 following allegations against its star, Noel Clarke, and later made the finale available on their streaming service for a limited time. Goldbart acknowledges the appeal of the iPlayer option, noting that it’s “a lot easier to bury stuff on on-demand than on linear TV,” though he cautions about potential financial implications.
However, Dorothy Byrne, former head of news and current affairs at Channel 4, raises concerns about the iPlayer option, questioning whether it truly resolves the issue if the person is deemed “unacceptable.” She leans towards the BBC not showing the series at all but hopes for a solution that prevents participants from losing out on their opportunity. Byrne also mused about the possibility of editing Wallace out of the show, though this presents its own set of logistical challenges.
The BBC previously encountered a similar situation in November when allegations against Wallace first emerged, leading to the cancellation of the Christmas specials of MasterChef. However, the “MasterChef: The Professionals” series continued to air. A BBC source at the time emphasized that “MasterChef is life-changing for the chefs that take part and the show is about more than one individual.” The current predicament is more complex, as the entire season has been filmed, making the decision even more difficult.
Despite the current challenges, the long-term future of the MasterChef franchise appears robust. Banijay executives have reportedly reaffirmed their commitment to the show, especially with its new base in Birmingham. The BBC had previously renewed the show through 2028, and Grace Dent has been confirmed to host the upcoming Celebrity MasterChef series. Goldbart is optimistic about the show’s continuation, stating, “It’s not one of those shows which is defined by its presenter.” He believes the show can thrive with hosts like John Torode and Grace Dent, noting its consistent linear TV viewing figures.
Nonetheless, a decision regarding the current series is imminent. Byrne asserts the need for an announcement once the report is released, “for the sake of the wonderful people who took part,” adding, “This isn’t one of those things where you can endlessly delay.”