Another contestant has been edited out of the latest MasterChef series on the BBC, following the controversy surrounding the conduct of former presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode. The production company Banijay confirmed that a second participant requested to be removed from the programme, raising further questions about the BBC's decision to broadcast the series.
The move comes two weeks after it was revealed that Sarah Shafi had agreed to be cut from the show, stating that it should not be aired given the allegations against Wallace and Torode. Wallace was dropped by the BBC after an independent report substantiated 45 complaints against him, including inappropriate sexual language and unwelcome physical contact. Torode was also removed after a substantiated complaint over racist language, which he denies.
A Banijay spokesperson said: 'One other contributor decided that given recent events they would like not to be included. We have of course accepted their wishes and edited them out of the show.' The second contestant has asked not to be identified, according to the BBC.
The series, filmed before Wallace and Torode were sacked, began airing last week despite criticism. The BBC had already reduced the presenters' prominence and removed Shafi's appearance. The broadcaster defended its decision, stating it was 'the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process.'
