MasterChef loses almost one million viewers after airing new series with fired hosts
New Masterchef season watched by just 1.96 million
- The new series of MasterChef, featuring fired hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode, experienced a significant drop in viewership, attracting 1.96 million viewers compared to 2.73 million for last year's launch.
- This decline follows upheld allegations against the presenters, with Gregg Wallace facing 45 upheld claims of inappropriate sexual language and unwelcome physical contact, and John Torode one of racist language.
- The BBC stated that airing the series, which was filmed last year before the allegations surfaced, was a difficult decision but deemed necessary to recognise the participating amateur chefs.
- Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy publicly stated she would not be watching the series, and one contestant, Sarah Shafi, was edited out after objecting to its broadcast.
- Gregg Wallace had previously stepped away from his role on the show, with his return deemed "untenable" after an investigation into the misconduct allegations.