MasterChef Drops Nearly 1 Million Viewers as New Series Airs Following Exit of Presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode

MasterChef Viewership Plummets After Hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode Axed

The premiere of MasterChef’s 21st series drew just 1.96 million viewers on BBC One, a stark drop from last year’s 2.73 million launch, following the controversial dismissal of longtime hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode. The BBC faced intense criticism for airing the pre-recorded season, which featured the ousted duo despite a last-minute edit to reduce their screen time.

[Image: Gregg Wallace and John Torode on set]
Caption: Wallace and Torode were removed as hosts ahead of the new series after misconduct allegations.

Viewers slammed the BBC’s decision as “bizarre” and “tone-deaf,” flooding social media with outrage. One user tweeted, “Why are these men still on MasterChef?,” while others labeled the move a “#BBCFail.” Another questioned, “What were they thinking?” as the show’s return sparked confusion over the hosts’ prominent roles despite their recent firings.

[Image: Social media reactions on a phone screen]
Caption: Fans expressed frustration over the BBC’s handling of the controversy.

Body language expert Judi James analyzed the pair’s dynamic, noting a lack of chemistry. “They’re presented as two experts with little communication or synchronicity,” she said, highlighting their distant interactions and solo commentary shots.

Wallace, 59, was dismissed after a BBC investigation upheld 45 complaints, including inappropriate sexual humor and unwelcome physical contact. Torode, 58, lost his job over allegations he used a racial slur, which he denies. Contestant Sarah Shafi withdrew, claiming Wallace “ogled” her and made unsettling remarks about his reputation with women.

[Image: Gregg Wallace in a past episode]
Caption: Wallace faced multiple complaints about on-set behavior.

In defense, Wallace cited his recent autism diagnosis and criticized the BBC for failing to support his neurodiversity. “I struggle to read people,” he said, attributing some behavior to workplace culture. Torode maintains no recollection of the alleged slur.

The scandal overshadowed contestants, with fans calling it “unfair” to those competing. The BBC has yet to announce new hosts, leaving the show’s future uncertain. As the fallout continues, the broadcaster faces mounting pressure to address its handling of the crisis and rebuild trust with audiences.

[Image: MasterChef contestants cooking]
Caption: The controversy diverted attention from the new season’s contestants.

With nearly a million viewers lost, the series’ rocky return underscores the challenges ahead for one of the BBC’s flagship programs.