BBC star brushes off Gregg Wallace scandal with controversial MasterChef remark
BBC Morning Live presenter Jacqui Joseph appeared to brush off the current furore surrounding MasterChef as Gregg Wallace is investigated for alleged "innappropriate behaviour".
While co-hosting Thursday's edition of the daytime show alongside Gordon Smart they welcomed this year's MasterChef: The Professionals finalists. Dan Merriman and George Birtwell were in the studio while Chiara Tomasoni joined via video link to discuss their time on the show and the upcoming finale.
However JaCqui described the current scadal as "noise and headlines" when introducing it saying: "As you may have noticed there's been a lot of noise and headlines over the last few weeks...
"But as the latest series reaches its climax we're focusing not on any of that but on the competition itself."
Gordon then introduced the finalists who discussed their cooking and their time in the kitchen with no mention of Gregg despite the fact that he has been judging their food on the show.
READ MORE: Shetland fans beg BBC bosses 'call it a day' as season finale fails to impress
Morning Live's Jaqui Joseph appeared to gloss over the furore surrounding MasterChef (Image: BBC)Although Gregg has stepped away from his MasterChef role during the investigation these episodes were filmed before the allegations came to light.
The BBC decided to broadcast the remaining episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals after the investigation into Gregg's conduct was launched but it has opted to scrap the two Christmas specials which had been recorded.
Following this broadcast Gregg will be absent from future series. Banijay UK, who produces the show, confirmed Gregg is not contracted for future series as an investigation into his behaviour is carried out.
The production company told The Independent that the presenter will not appear in future series while the investigation is ongoing.
Don't miss...
BBC MasterChef viewers 'switch off' as Gregg Wallace makes cheeky jibe [REACTION]
Nine things we learned from Call the Midwife Christmas special spoiler pics [PICTURES]
A Place In The Sun's Jasmine Harman in career announcement after shake up [INSIGHT]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
It was announced on November 28 that Gregg would be stepping away from the show while historical allegations of misconduct are investigated.
A statement from Banijay UK released at the time said: "This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.
"Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.
"While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process.
BBC star brushes off Gregg Wallace scandal with controversial MasterChef remark
BBC star brushes off Gregg Wallace scandal with controversial MasterChef remark
BBC star brushes off Gregg Wallace scandal with controversial MasterChef remark
BBC star brushes off Gregg Wallace scandal with controversial MasterChef remark
BBC star brushes off Gregg Wallace scandal with controversial MasterChef remark
Play online games for free at games.easybranches.com
Guest Post Services www.easybranches.com/contribute