BBC MasterChef's future revealed in huge update after Gregg Wallace and John Torode axe

Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series of MasterChef will be aired despite their axings, according to The Sun. The outlet claim the BBC and production company Banijay currently intend to air both the amateur and the celebrity edition of the show "once the dust has settled".

The celebrity series will see Grace Dent step into the Gregg Wallace's hosting duties with John Torode - who is reported to be considering legal action against the broadcaster over his sacking. But executives were said to have deliberated over showing the series after a report upheld a complaint that Torode had used racist language. The shows, which have already been filmed, see a series of celebs step into the BBC kitchen including ex-footballer Ashley Cain and Love Island star Uma Jammeh.

It comes after BBC Director General Tim Davie said earlier this week that the impact on the show's participants - both celebrities and amateurs - would be a factor in whether they decide to air the episodes.

A source told the publication: "These past eight months have been truly hellish for all concerned. The BBC and Banijay have faced a moral and professional dilemma like never before. Obviously Gregg's case was more clear cut, but John being dragged through the mud wasn't what anyone wanted or expected to happen.

"But at the same time, and as a publicly funded body, the BBC has a dury to both provide entertainment as well as fulfil its obligations to cast, crew, contestants and viewers alike.

"If they were to can these two series, hundreds of people - those who appeared or worked on the shows - would be so bitterly dsappointed. So the feeling at present is that the show, quite literally, must go on - albeit once the dust has settled and all the fuss died down.

"The two presenters have already been cancelled on the Beeb - they don't wish to cancel the series too; neither of which, it must be noted, received any complaints." Express.co.uk has reached out to a BBC representative for a comment.

Gregg Wallace, 60, was officially axed last week from BBC and Banijay following an independent investigation carried out into the allegations of misconduct on the show between 2005 and 2024.

A total of 45 out of the 83 allegations against him were upheld including claims of inappropriate sexual language, although one related to unwanted touching.

However, the report also said that two allegations against two other individuals had also been substantiated. On Monday (July 14), Torode, 59, confirmed that one of the complaints was against him.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday (July 15), he declared: "I am the individual who is alleged to have used radial language on one occasion. I have absolutely no recollection of this and I do not believe that it happened."