The BBC has U-turned from its unique place on MasterChef by pulling Christmas episodes following the Gregg Wallace allegations.
The company had initially mentioned that each one filmed eps would nonetheless air, even if Wallace has stepped away from the present as producer Banijay UK investigates allegations of inappropriate conduct. As we speak, it has informed BBC Information that the Christmas eps won’t air.
This comes after greater than a dozen ladies accused Wallace of inappropriate behaviour and sexually inappropriate feedback, together with ex-Newsnight host Kirsty Wark.
Following that BBC Information investigation final week, the BBC’s preliminary place was that it will proceed to roll cameras, satisfying issues from the likes of broadcasting union Bectu that pausing the present would result in a lack of work for freelancers in a troublesome market.
A BBC press launch issued on Friday – after the Wallace allegations had been made public – mentioned a Movie star MasterChef Christmas Prepare dinner Off and MasterChef Meets Strictly Festive Extravaganza would each be on within the vacation season, however right this moment’s resolution represents a U-turn.
The remaining episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals will proceed airing over the subsequent couple of weeks, we perceive.
Wallace’s conduct reached the very best echelons of presidency, with a authorities spokesperson criticizing his preliminary response to the allegations after he claimed they got here from “a handful of middle-class ladies of a sure age.”
He apologized extra absolutely yesterday, saying “it’s apparent to me I must take a while out” whereas an investigation into his conduct on set is performed by Banijay.
The allegations span 20 years and have sparked a wider dialog within the TV sector over presenter conduct and open secrets and techniques.
