The channel said it was "the right thing to do" for the chefs who took part, but British broadcast union Bectu has criticized the BBC for rewarding "bad behavior" with prime-time coverage.

Lisa Nandy has said she will not watch the new series of MasterChef because she was “absolutely appalled” by the conduct of sacked presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode. The Culture Secretary said she “certainly won’t be watching this series” and believed many members of the public would feel the same.

Gregg Wallace and John Torode displayed a lack of 'on-screen chemistry' during the opening episode of MasterChef since the presenters were removed from the programme, according to a body language expert.