Fans of MasterChef were left puzzled when judge Gregg Wallace was noticeably absent from a recent episode. The BBC has now clarified the situation, confirming that Wallace's absence was due to scheduling rather than any dramatic exit.
The long-running cooking competition aired an episode without one of its most familiar faces, sparking speculation among viewers. Some wondered if Wallace had left the show permanently, while others feared he might be unwell.
A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: "Gregg was unavailable for this particular episode due to scheduling commitments. He remains very much part of the MasterChef family and will be back judging future episodes."
Wallace, who has been a judge on the show since 2005, typically appears alongside John Torode to critique amateur chefs' culinary creations. His temporary absence marks one of the rare occasions where the judging duo has been separated during filming.
The episode in question featured guest judge Andi Oliver stepping in to join Torode at the judging table. Oliver, a regular guest on the show, received praise from viewers for her constructive feedback and warm personality.
MasterChef continues to be one of the BBC's most popular programmes, with the current series attracting millions of viewers each week. The show's format sees amateur cooks battle through increasingly challenging tasks to impress the judges and avoid elimination.
Wallace is expected to return for upcoming episodes of the current series, which continues to air on BBC One. Fans can rest assured that the familiar judging partnership will be reunited soon.
