- MasterChef has made an early return with a new series, featuring hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode, who were recently sacked after misconduct allegations came to light.
- Wallace faced 45 substantiated allegations, including inappropriate sexual language, while Torode had an allegation of racist language upheld.
- The series was due to begin airing on Wednesday evening, but on Wednesday morning, BBC released the first three episodes on iPlayer.
- Both presenters appear within the first minute of the new series, but their usual jokes are pared back, and there is less chatter between them and the chefs.
- The BBC said that airing the series was important to recognise the efforts of the featured cooks, though decisions on celebrity and Christmas specials are pending.
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