BBC MasterChef viewers switch off minutes into show as they issue same complaint

BBC MasterChef viewers admitted they were switching off on night two of the latest series of the cookery competition, which aired on Thursday, August 7. The show is presented by Gregg Wallace and John Torode, despite their subsequent dismissal from the programme, but many were not amused that they still featured.

Taking to X they vented their anger. "The way this has been edited for both Wallace and Torode to come across as like super positive children's TV presenters, as if we've all fallen down and hit our heads," one commented, referencing the pair's recent tribulations. Another exclaimed: "Surprised they're showing this. Maybe they think they'll get more viewers now with the notoriety. #masterchef. Meanwhile, a third simply stated: "Why is flipping #Masterchef on? Not watching." A fourth confessed they were only watching as they knew Wallace was axed after filming the latest show. "Watching #masterchef Gregg has always annoyed the c*** out of me. Now there's a certain pleasure in watching and knowing he is doomed."

However, others were enjoying the show despite the controversies. "Always been a fan of #masterchef - no doubt the woke brigade are scrutinising every second - looking for something to condemn Greg and John!! I've no doubt it'll be another fab series," one shared.

Meanwhile, another viewer was simply focused on the dishes on offer, commenting: "All these dishes look amazing to be honest. #MasterChef."

The BBC came under fire after deciding to broadcast the latest season of MasterChef despite a damning internal report revealing more than 40 upheld complaints against long-time host Wallace, and claims co-star Torode used a racist term.

The new amateur series, which began airing on August 6, was filmed before the report was commissioned and features both Wallace and Torode in their usual judging roles. Insiders say the corporation struggled with the decision, but ultimately chose to go ahead with the broadcast after "careful consultation" with the contestants.

Just under two million viewers tuned into the opening episode of this series on Wednesday, August 6.

This was a fall in figures compared to last year, when 2.7 million people watched last year's launch show.

According to overnight figures, last night's launch had 1.96 million viewers. Last year's opening episode went out earlier in the evening, on a bank holiday, and in April.

This year it went out in August, which, according to the BBC, is a month that "tends to have fewer viewers".