MasterChef Loses Nearly One Million Viewers After Presenter Misconduct Scandal

The 21st series of BBC's MasterChef, featuring former hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode, experienced a significant drop in viewers, losing nearly one million compared to last year's premiere. The series aired despite both presenters being dismissed following upheld misconduct allegations, including racist language and multiple complaints against Wallace. The BBC made last-minute edits to reduce their on-screen appearances and has started removing promotional materials featuring them. Fans and public figures, including Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, expressed discomfort and criticism over the decision to broadcast the series with the controversial hosts still prominently featured. Viewers voiced frustration on social media, describing the airing as 'tone deaf' and calling into question the future of the long-running show. The BBC justified airing the series, which was filmed before the allegations surfaced, as a way to honor the amateur chefs participating and to give audiences the choice to watch.