The BBC is considering completely erasing Gregg Wallace from the upcoming series of MasterChef, despite the episodes having already been filmed.
The 60-year-old presenter, who recently stepped down from the show amid misconduct allegations, had completed filming the amateur chef series alongside John Torode last month.
Production insiders have revealed the series could be ‘salvageable’ by removing Wallace from the footage before it is screened in 2025, saving the expensive production from being scrapped entirely.
A production source told MailOnline: “John and Gregg were always shot with separate cameras. Any two shots or wide shots containing the pair can be cut. Removing Gregg entirely is a difficult task, but not an impossible one.”
However, another insider claimed the BBC remains undecided, telling The Mirror: “This is a nightmare for execs because it’s one of the most expensive MasterChef series that’s been made as this one was filmed abroad.”
The BBC has not yet confirmed whether they will attempt to edit Wallace out of the programme.
Gregg Wallace apologised for claiming the complaints came from middle class women
PA
Wallace stepped down from MasterChef last week following a BBC News investigation that revealed allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour on television sets spanning 17 years.
The former greengrocer has denied engaging in sexually harassing behaviour and is now subject to an external investigation by London law firm Lewis Silkin, instructed by production company Banijay.
His co-presenter John Torode broke his silence on Wednesday, declining to defend his colleague of 19 years while expressing support for the investigation.
Last Friday, Australian chef Torode flew overseas to continue filming, with Irish chef Anna Haugh stepping in to replace Wallace.
John Torode claims he is in full support of the BBC investigation
PA
Sources on set reported the transition “couldn’t have gone better”, with filming completed on Tuesday afternoon.
The move to erase a presenter would not be unprecedented for the BBC.
In 2023, RuPaul’s Drag Race removed a contestant after inappropriate behaviour allegations, while Jay Blades has not appeared in pre-recorded episodes of The Repair Shop following abuse charges.
The BBC has already pulled two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials from its schedule amid the growing controversy.
A BBC spokesperson said: “MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned.”
It remains unclear when the BBC will air the recently recorded episodes, with the series originally scheduled for broadcast in Spring 2025.
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The latest move comes after a ghostwriter who worked on Wallace’s 2012 autobiography accused the former presenter of sexual harassment during an appearance on BBC’s Newsnight.
Shannon Kyle claimed Wallace made “revolting” and “sickening” sexualised suggestions to her while she was working on his book between May and August 2012.