The latest season of MasterChef has been marred by controversy following the dismissal of longtime hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode due to upheld misconduct allegations, including racism.
With their final appearances on the show, the hosts faced significant viewer backlash, resulting in a staggering loss of nearly one million viewers upon its return.
Fans have expressed their discontent, with some even threatening to boycott the show, as public figures like Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy publicly declared they would not watch due to the hosts' continued presence.
Critics have condemned the BBC for airing new episodes featuring the fired hosts, claiming it undermines those who raised complaints and reflects poorly on the network's accountability.
Amid the turmoil, the heartfelt impact of John Torode's departure has resonated with former contestants, who voiced their empathy and frustration over the situation.
The narrative has been compounded by the tragic death of Yanin Campos, a former MasterChef contestant and TikTok influencer, who lost her life in a car crash, adding a poignant layer to the ongoing story.