BBC to air latest MasteChef UK series featuring Gregg Wallace, John Torode
John Torode and Gregg Wallace began hosting the UK version of MasterChef in 2005. (Facebook: MasterChef UK)
In short:
The BBC will air an already-taped season of MasterChef UK, despite two of the program's hosts recently being dropped by the broadcaster.
More than 40 complaints against Gregg Wallace were found to have been substantiated by a report, which also determined that John Torode had used a racist term.
The BBC says the season will air so that the contestants can be "properly recognised".
The BBC has decided to broadcast the latest season of MasterChef UK, despite it featuring sacked hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the broadcaster said it had made the decision to air the latest series on its flagship channel and streaming platform "after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants".
"This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it."
Mr Wallace and Mr Torode, who had presented the show since 2005, were sacked after a review into complaints made against Mr Wallace.
The BBC is once again facing questions about how it handles misconduct cases within the organisation. (Reuters: Luke MacGregor)
The report upheld 45 of the 83 complaints against Mr Wallace, including that he had used inappropriate sexual language and humour, had been in a state of undress, and in one instance had made unwelcome physical contact.
While he apologised for "inappropriate" humour and language, the prominent British television personality also said he had been cleared of "the serious allegations" against him.
The report also upheld a complaint against Mr Torode that he had made a racist comment while working on the program seven years ago.
Mr Torode said he had "absolutely no recollection" of making the comment and added that he did "not believe that it happened".
Decision 'in no way diminishes' findings
The MasterChef saga has reignited debate around the BBC's handling of misconduct cases.
In its statement on Wednesday local time, the public broadcaster's spokesperson added that "broadcasting this series is the right thing to do" for the contestants.
"We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series."
The report, commissioned by MasterChef's production company, substantiated 45 of the 83 complaints against Gregg Wallace. (AP: Yui Mok / PA)
It added that no decision had been made on whether to air a Christmas special and celebrity series which were filmed earlier this year.
"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," the BBC spokesperson said.
"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."
The amateur series will air from August 6 on the BBC's primary domestic channel, BBC One, as well as its iPlayer service.
"Most importantly, MasterChef is a brilliant, much-loved program which is bigger than any one individual," the spokesperson said.
"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."