MasterChef viewers demand 'don't watch' as BBC show sparks outrage

Viewers of BBC MasterChef lost patience with people complaining about the show online due to the presence of axed hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace. As the latest edition aired on BBC One on Thursday August 21, social media was awash with people complaining about the decision to broadcast this series, despite an investigation upholding complaints of inappropriate behaviour by Gregg Wallace and John Torode being dismissed for using a racial slur. Pointing out this attitude was unfair on the contestants, several people took to X to defend the show.

"I don't get why people are moaning about Torode and Wallace. This was filmed before all the shenanigans came out. Give these talented chefs their air time. That's all you should be focusing on. Well done BBC for not cancelling #masterchef If you don't like it? Switch off," one fumed. A second echoed this feeling, writing: "#masterchef I'm not condoning Greg whatsoever but it won't stop me from watching I just like the contestants and the fact there's some good cooks..."

"#masterchef some good talent on this this year going to be tough..." a third chimed in, ignoring all the controversy.

A fourth commented: "#masterchef people just come on here to moan well why watch if that's what your gonna do."

"#masterchef I'm more focused on the contestants tbf there's some good cooks in this," a fifth penned.

Meanwhile a sixth observed: "#masterchef if you don't like it don't watch simple!"

The BBC decided to go ahead with airing the latest series despite complaints from broadcast union Bectu, which said inappropriate behaviour should not be "rewarded with prime-time coverage". BBC sources reportedly told The i they accept some viewers will not want to watch the series.

Both Wallace, 60, and Torode were axed from the BBC cooking show after claims of gross misconduct. The MasterChef presenters, who began fronting the show in 2005, were both sacked in quick succession.

Wallace was dropped after more than 45 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation.

Australian-born chef Torode, 59, also lost his job after two decades over allegations that he used a racial slur, which he claims to have "absolutely no recollection" of.