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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Jacob Stolworthy

New Masterchef season watched by just 1.96 million

  • The new series of MasterChef, featuring fired hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode, experienced a significant drop in viewership, attracting 1.96 million viewers compared to 2.73 million for last year's launch.
  • This decline follows upheld allegations against the presenters, with Gregg Wallace facing 45 upheld claims of inappropriate sexual language and unwelcome physical contact, and John Torode one of racist language.
  • The BBC stated that airing the series, which was filmed last year before the allegations surfaced, was a difficult decision but deemed necessary to recognise the participating amateur chefs.
  • Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy publicly stated she would not be watching the series, and one contestant, Sarah Shafi, was edited out after objecting to its broadcast.
  • Gregg Wallace had previously stepped away from his role on the show, with his return deemed "untenable" after an investigation into the misconduct allegations.

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