‘Heated conversation’ - MasterChef contestant edited out of new series

After the decision was made to still air the upcoming series of MasterChef UK, a contestant has asked to be edited out of the show, with her calls for it to be pulled completely rejected.

Despite the recent sackings of presenting duo John Torode and Gregg Wallace, who worked on the show since 2005, the BBC has taken the decision to broadcast the cooking show, which sees amateur chefs compete against each other. Both presenters will feature, with the series having already been recorded. The first episode is set to be screened on August 6.

Following a string of complaints, an investigation was sanctioned by production company Banijay into the conduct of Gregg. He was subsequently dropped by the BBC, after allegations of inappropriate sexual language and unwelcome physical contact were upheld.

While the full report has not been made public, Gregg said it cleared him of “the most serious and sensational accusations”, while apologising “for any distress caused”.

The investigation also upheld a complaint John used racist language, which he does not believe happened. The BBC decided to also let him go, ending his 20-year run presenting MasterChef, alongside Gregg.

Read: BBC discuss long-term future of MasterChef after presenter exits

calls for series to be pulled

One of the contestants due to appear on the show this year was Sarah Shafi.

But after discussions with Banijay and the BBC, the Leeds-based amateur cook will no longer feature.

In an interview with The Guardian, Sarah explained: “I didn’t say edit me out. I said ‘axe the show, don’t air the show. I’m asking you not to air the show.’

“Prominent figures have been abusing their power. What message does that send out to women?

“For me, it’s about the enabling environment. It’s that complicity. Those individual powerful men do not (act) in isolation. There is an enabling environment, turning a blind eye. It’s about years of these institutions not being accountable.”

As allegations surrounding Gregg emerged, Sarah told Banijay she was against the series being aired, which led to “quite a heated conversation” with a producer.

Sarah was then told about the possibility of editing her out of the show.

She said: “I was flabbergasted, because in what way was that a solution – and a solution for whom?

“My point was not about me not being associated with it. My point was about the institutional enabling environment. I said I am completely against this airing of the show. I object to it strongly. This is the principle I’m standing by. I’m objecting to the show being aired, not about me being in it.”

She added: “While the BBC are signalling how life changing, for the better, this could be for some contestants – I’d say top 10 at most – where is the respect for how life changing, for the worse, it has been for the victims?

“What I suggested to them was, ‘why don’t you do a special show dedicated to these people that excludes those prominent figures – but it focuses on the talent?’”

why MasterChef will still be shown

The BBC insist the decision to air the series was not an easy one.

It said: “Banijay consulted with all the contestants before that decision was made and there was widespread support for it going ahead. We are sorry that this contestant does not support the decision and we are grateful she raised this with both the BBC and Banijay.”

A Banijay UK spokesperson said: “We are sorry that Sarah does not support the decision to air this series of MasterChef. We carefully considered her concerns about broadcasting the series and discussed them with the BBC.

“However, having consulted with all contributors in the series ahead of the decision being made, the resounding feeling from those taking part was support for airing the series.”

MasterChef first aired in the UK in 1990, fronted by Loyd Grossman, with its original run ending in 2001.

It was revived in 2005, with Australian chef John Torode and former greengrocer Gregg Wallace as the new presenting duo.

There have also been spin-offs such as Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals, which continue running to this day.

Former winners across the various versions of the show include Steve Groves, Thomasina Miers, Stu Deeley, Nikita Pathakji and most recent champion Dan Merriman.