MASTERCHEF’s return has been pushed back as the BBC waits for the outcome of a probe into axed host Gregg Wallace.
The hit show has been dropped from the schedule as lawyers grill everyone from contestants to crew.
A BBC investigation into Gregg Wallace has delayed the return of MasterChef[/caption]
Anna Haugh, right, was forced to step in halfway through filming[/caption]
Grace Dent was later named as Gregg’s replacement on the next series of Celebrity MasterChef[/caption]
The cookery show, which usually airs between February and April, has been fully edited and ready to serve up on BBC One.
But bosses are holding off until they get a full report on Wallace, 60, who stepped back from the series last year after a string of allegations.
The one-time greengrocer, who denies any wrongdoing, is accused of making inappropriate comments and indulging in sexist banter with contestants.
The BBC decided against scrapping MasterChef to avoid punishing those who took part, but editing out Wallace was impossible since he tasted dishes and chatted with hopeful cooks alongside co-host John Torode.
Sources say lawyers from top firm Lewis Silkin are leading the investigation, which has dragged on for months.
Wallace himself reportedly hasn’t even given his side of the story yet.
Chef Anna Haugh stepped in for the final filming days after the scandal erupted, while food critic Grace Dent joined Celebrity MasterChef in January.
It’s unclear whether she’s being lined up as Wallace’s permanent replacement — or if Torode himself will stick around.
The fallout has already claimed casualties, with a festive Celebrity MasterChef special that had already been filmed scrapped last year.
He had already filmed part of the latest series with John Torode when he was axed by the BBC[/caption]
