BBC MasterChef returns with major Gregg Wallace and John Torode changes revealed

Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series of MasterChef is set to air tonight, with the BBC making last minute changes to the episode. Both presenters were dropped from the BBC cooking show following an investigation into alleged behaviour.

The latest series of MasterChef landed on BBC iPlayer this morning before airing on BBC One at 8pm. There had been concern over the future of the already filmed series following both Wallace and Torode's axe.

However, they both appear in the introduction shots of the first episode. Torode said: “This is the sort of stuff that dreams are made of”, while Wallace told a contestant: “That is a cracker of a job”. It comes after John Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner breaks her silence after his MasterChef sacking.

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Despite both Wallace and Torode appearing in the episode, their screen time has tanked compared to previous series. BBC bosses have begun to airbrush the pair out of MasterChef – reducing screen time and removing them from promotional pictures on iPlayer.

All previous episodes on iPlayer feature clips from the show and currently most from Series 19 and 20 feature Torode or Wallace or both in the imagery.

But the three episodes available for Series 21 do not feature them at all and instead have the MasterChef logo. In the BBC description of episode 1, neither presenter is mentioned. However, in previous series descriptions they are.

On screen Gregg Wallace's first words are "That is a cracker of a job." He is referring to a dish but could equally be referring to his well paid post as food critic, which he has been axed from due to his behaviour.

The BBC decided to still air the series despite criticism, with broadcast union Bectu saying inappropriate behaviour should not be "rewarded with prime-time coverage." It has been reported bosses have tried to limit the appearances of Wallace and Torode.

Last month the BBC confirmed the series, which was filmed last year before allegations against Wallace and Torode were investigated and upheld, would be broadcast in August, adding that it had “not been an easy decision in the circumstances.”

The BBC added that “broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.”

But the corporation said a decision had not yet been made regarding the celebrity series and the Christmas special. One contestant on the latest series, Sarah Shafi, will not appear after she complained about Wallace.

A spokesperson for the BBC said: "As we said when we announced the show would be aired, this was not an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone would agree with it.

"Banijay consulted with all the contestants before that decision was made and there was widespread support for it going ahead. We are sorry that this contestant does not support the decision and we are grateful she raised this with both the BBC and Banijay."

In November last year, it was announced that Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.

Last month a statement from production company Banijay UK and the BBC said they had agreed “Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable”.

Wallace issued an apology saying he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and that he “never set out to harm or humiliate” in the wake of the Lewis Silkin review that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld.

Torode was the subject of an allegation about using racist language that was upheld as part of the Lewis Silkin review. The TV star said he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened” by the allegation.

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