Yahoo Lifestyle BBC Pulling ‘MasterChef’ Christmas Specials Following Gregg Wallace Allegations
The BBC is pulling its “MasterChef” Christmas specials following the allegations made against presenter Gregg Wallace, the latest escalation in an episode that has dominated U.K. headlines.
Wallace stepped aside from presenting the U.K. edition of the cookery show last week following a BBC News investigation in which numerous allegations of historic inappropriate sexual comments and inappropriate behaviour were made against him. His lawyers have denied he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature, while Banijay — which produces “MasterChef” — has launched an investigation.
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The BBC’s decision to remove the Christmas specials from its programming marks a U-turn for the broadcaster, after it said on Monday that all “Masterchef” episodes — including two festive editions — would air as planned.
“The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them,” a spokesperson said on Tuesday.
On Monday, Wallace apologized for comments made over the weekend that sparked further controversy. In a video posted to his Instagram account on Sunday, he said the accusations came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age.” His response was condemned by many, including the British government, with an unnamed Downing Street spokesperson describing them as “inappropriate and misogynistic.”
“I want to apologize for any offense that I caused for my post yesterday and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people,” Wallace said in a video on his Instagram Story. “I wasn’t in a good head space when I posted it. I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion. I felt very alone, under siege yesterday when I posted it. It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is underway. I hope you understand and I do hope that you will accept this apology.”
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