Latest twist in MasterChef saga over contestant claims

EntertainmentPolitics
1 Aug 2025 • 8:28 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • MasterChef contestant Sarah Shafi was edited out of the forthcoming series after requesting it not be shown due to the scandal involving host Gregg Wallace.
  • An independent report substantiated 45 allegations against Wallace, including inappropriate sexual language and physical contact, leading to his sacking by the BBC.
  • Shafi claims she felt "pressured" and "coerced" by producers into agreeing to the series' broadcast, viewing her removal from the show as a form of silencing.
  • She also stated her experience on the show was negative, describing it as "a boys' game" and feeling "eyed up and ogled" by Gregg Wallace.
  • Banijay, the show's producer, and the BBC have responded, stating they consulted contestants and that Shafi's specific claims against Wallace were not supported by footage, while acknowledging her concerns.

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