BBC Pulling ‘MasterChef’ Christmas Specials Following Gregg Wallace Allegations

variety.com:

Alex Ritman The BBC is pulling its “MasterChef” Christmas specials following the allegations made against presenter Gregg Wallace, the latest escalation in an episode that has dominated U.K.

headlines. Wallace stepped aside from presenting the U.K. edition of the cookery show last week following a BBC News investigation in which numerous allegations of historic inappropriate sexual comments and inappropriate behaviour were made against him.

His lawyers have denied he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature, while Banijay — which produces “MasterChef” — has launched an investigation.

The BBC’s decision to remove the Christmas specials from its programming marks a U-turn for the broadcaster, after it said on Monday that all “Masterchef” episodes — including two festive editions — would air as planned. “The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them,” a spokesperson said on Tuesday.