Sharp-eyed fans of MasterChef: The Professionals have noticed that judge Gregg Wallace appeared to be edited out of the opening sequence of Tuesday's episode, amid an ongoing BBC investigation into allegations of misconduct against the presenter.
In the introduction to episode 17, the show featured a guest chef and the remaining contestants, followed by comments from judges Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing, but Wallace was notably absent until the main programme began. Viewers took to social media to question the change, with one asking: “How has Gregg Wallace already disappeared from #masterchef when it’s pre recorded is it just good editing?” Radio X presenter Danny Wallace also speculated that “someone's definitely been re-editing the next few masterchefs.”
The BBC has been approached for comment. Last week, Wallace stepped down from MasterChef after historical complaints emerged that he made “sexual comments” on set. Among the 13 accusers is Newsnight host Kirsty Wark. Wallace initially dismissed the claims as coming from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age,” but later apologised, saying he was “not in a good headspace” and would “take some time out.”
Meanwhile, the BBC has decided not to broadcast the MasterChef Christmas specials, stating that “in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them.” A spokesperson confirmed that the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals will continue as planned.
