The BBC has confirmed that the amateur series of MasterChef will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August. The decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with contestants, the broadcaster said in a statement.
“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 stated.
The broadcaster acknowledged that the decision was not easy given recent circumstances, and that it does not diminish the seriousness of upheld findings against both presenters. The BBC reiterated its clear standards of behaviour expected from those who work on its shows.
However, the BBC believes broadcasting the series is the right thing to do for the amateur cooks who have invested so much in the process. “We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series,” the statement added.
A decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, filmed earlier this year, has not yet been made. The BBC will confirm plans later in the year.
“Most importantly MasterChef is a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual. There are many talented, dedicated and hard-working people who make the show what it is. It will continue to flourish on the BBC and we look forward to it returning stronger than ever in the future,” the statement concluded.
