A second MasterChef contestant has been edited out of the current BBC One series following a workplace misconduct scandal involving the shows hosts.
The anonymous contestant requested to be taken out of the show after a report that validated claims against hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
A representative for production company Banijay UK stated: "One other contributor decided that, given recent events, they would like not to be included. We have, of course, accepted their wishes and edited them out of the show."
The contestant has requested to remain anonymous and will not appear in the programme, according to information obtained by PA news agency.
Sarah Shafi was the first contestant to request removal from the series after a Lewis Silkin review that upheld 45 out of 83 allegations made against Wallace. Wallace apologised stating he was "deeply sorry for any distress caused" and that he "never set out to harm or humiliate".
One allegation of racist language against Torode was upheld as part of the investigation. The Standard reports the incident involved Torode singing along to Kanye West's "Gold Digger" at a work gathering. Torode said he had "no recollection of the incident" and was "shocked and saddened" by the claim.
Both Banijay UK and the BBC said they had agreed "Mr Wallace's return to MasterChef is untenable".
Wallace stepped down from his role in November 2024 while the historical allegations were investigated.
Both Wallace and Torode continue to appear in the current series, which was filmed last year before the allegations came to light.
Industry figures have criticised the BBC's decision to proceed with broadcasting as "rewarding bad behaviour" with prime-time coverage, The Standard reports.
The BBC acknowledged it was "not an easy decision in the circumstances" to proceed with broadcasting the series.
The broadcaster stated: "In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC. However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process."
The BBC added that it had not yet decided on the celebrity series and Christmas special filmed earlier this year. The corporation will confirm plans later in the year.
Wallace, speaking to The Sun, apologised to anyone affected by his actions but maintained he is "not a groper, a sex pest or a flasher".
The hosts, who took on their MasterChef roles in 2005, marked the show's 20th anniversary with a dinner in 2024.
The next episode of MasterChef series 21 is set to air at 8pm on BBC One.
Sources used: "Daily Star", "The Standard", "The Guardian", "HuffPost UK" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
