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.

The controversial new series of MasterChef, which is presented by sacked hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode, has landed on BBC iPlayer, leaving fans of the show torn.

The statement came just weeks after the news that both John Torode and Gregg Wallace had been axed from the show. John Torode was accused of making racist comments back in 2018 or 2019 and it has since been confirmed that his MasterChef contract will not be renewed.