Second MasterChef contestant edited out of series following controversy
A second contestant has been edited out of this year’s MasterChef following recent controversies surrounding the show’s former presenters, Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
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.
Production company Banijay confirmed the move, stating: “One other contributor decided that given recent events they would like not to be included. We have of course accepted their wishes and edited them out of the show.”
Earlier this month, contestant Sarah Shafi was also removed from the series after requesting her episode not be broadcast. Her decision followed a report that upheld claims against the two hosts.
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Despite the findings, the BBC chose to air the pre-recorded series, citing a duty to recognise the efforts of the chefs who took part. In a statement, it said: “In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process.”
The decision has sparked backlash from some contributors and industry voices, with broadcast union Bectu saying bad behaviour “should not be rewarded with prime-time coverage.”
Former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Kirsty Wark suggested the show could have been re-filmed without the two presenters.
Episodes now appear to have been edited to reduce the usual banter between the hosts and contestants. The episode that would have featured the second removed contestant aired on Wednesday night with five chefs competing instead of the usual six.
Shafi’s episode is understood not to have been broadcast yet.
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