Why is MasterChef: The Professionals still airing with Gregg Wallace?

The semi-finals of MasterChef: The Professionals continued to air on Tuesday, 3 December, despite the BBC investigation into host Gregg Wallace's behaviour.

It had earlier been announced that Wallace would step away from hosting MasterChef, after he became the subject of allegations that he made sexually inappropriate comments towards contestants and production staff on TV shows he'd worked on over the past 17 years.

And after making the decision to axe several scheduled shows with Wallace at the helm due to have aired in December, MasterChef: The Professionals was still shown at 8pm on BBC One.

Which of Gregg Wallace's shows have been axed?

Two special Christmas episodes of Celebrity MasterChef — which greengrocer Wallace hosts with chef John Torode — which had been due to air over the festive season have now been pulled from the TV schedule.

And three repeat episodes of BBC Two’s Inside the Factory, hosted by Wallace, which had previously been shown, have also been removed from the current BBC December listings.

Why is MasterChef: The Professionals an exception?

The BBC defended the decision to keep MasterChef: The Professionals on air, saying the contest can be "life-changing" for the chefs taking part. And so to not air the final episodes of the professional cooking competition would be an unfair repercussion on the contestants and winner of the 2024 series.

A BBC spokesperson said: "As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned. The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them."

Past winners of the show – including Scottish national chef Gary Maclean – have gone on to work in top Michelin-starred kitchens, open their own restaurants and return as guest judges.

What did viewers say?

Viewers felt the move not to axe the series was hypocritical.

One wrote on social media platform X: "It was strange that the BBC withdrew the two Masterchef Christmas specials but felt it was fine to leave the Masterchef the Professionals on air!" Another said on Blue Sky: "Gregggggg is on #masterchef on the telly. Jeez. It’s hard not to feel a bit skin crawly. I don’t think the BBC should have aired it." And someone else posted: "Why is #Masterchef on this evening? Should have been pulled @BBCNews"

Some thought it was the right decision.

One tweeted: "I’m still watching MasterChef: The Professionals because you have separate the art from the artist." Another said: "Still watching Masterchef in spite of you know who. Go Team George." And another objected: "@bbc what is the point of cancelling xmas special & #masterchef is on tonight? Its farcical. Its a great programme and should NOT be cancelled"

But there was also support for Wallace from fans.

One commented: "Watching a bit of @GregWallace66 Not normally a masterchef viewer but got to show some support." Another shared: "Settled down to enjoy Gregg on master chef.#greggwallace #gregg"

Read more: Gregg Wallace

• Gregg Wallace comment left me crying with humiliation, former MasterChef contestant claims(Sky News, 6 min read)

• How much is MasterChef worth to the BBC as broadcaster finally axes show amid Gregg Wallace investigation? (Independent, 3 min read)

• Melanie Sykes says Gregg Wallace was the reason she quit TV as she brands MasterChef 'unprofessional'(OK!, 2 min read)

What are the allegations made against Gregg Wallace?

The BBC has launched an investigation into the 60-year-old TV presenter after receiving complaints from 13 people, including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark who accused him of inappropriate sexual comments during filming.

BBC News reported it sent a letter to Wallace's representatives outlining allegations of inappropriate sexual comments made by 13 people from a number of different shows over 17 years. Wallace's lawyers were quoted by BBC as saying: "It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature."

Wark accused Wallace of telling stories of a "sexualised nature" in front of contestants and crew on two occasions while filming Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011.

The BBC also reported that other allegations Wallace has been accused include "talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to ‘give her a fashion show’, and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans".

Wallace denied the claims and posted a video on Instagram on 1 December saying that the allegations were made by "middle class women of a certain age". He later apologised for the comments, which were branded "inappropriate and misogynistic" by Number 10, among others.

Then on 3 December, the BBC reported claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour from three more women.

MasterChef: The Professionals continues at 8pm on Thursday, 5 December.