The BBC said that it had taken the decision "after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants". In a statement, the broadcaster said: "MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey."

The BBC also said it had not yet taken a decision on what to do with the completed celebrity series and Christmas special, which were filmed with Torode and food critic Grace Dent. A regular amateur series was filmed in 2024, fronted by long-serving hosts Wallace and Torode. The first allegations against Wallace are believed to have emerged towards the end of production. Earlier this month, a report by the show's production company revealed that more than 40 complaints against Wallace had been upheld, while a claim that Torode had used a severely offensive racist term was also substantiated.

The new series may be re-edited in light of the findings, with the prominence of Wallace and Torode re-examined, BBC News understands. It is thought there will be limitations on how much the pair can be edited out, but the focus is likely to be on the contestants. In a statement, the BBC said: "This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it. "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. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.

"However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series." Former contestants on the show previously told BBC News that being on MasterChef can be "life-changing" for them. (BBC/ BBC/Shine TV)