Two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials have been pulled from the BBC's festive schedule amid allegations made against broadcaster Gregg Wallace, who has stepped away from hosting the cooking show.
A Celebrity MasterChef Cook Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza were scheduled by the BBC, as part of its Christmas schedule, with both shows set to be one hour long programmes for BBC One and iPlayer.
Presenter Gregg Wallace is facing allegations from 13 people, concerning his alleged behaviour while on set, while others have since discussed their alleged experiences.
Wallace was also forced to apologise for comments he made, claiming that these complaints came from a "a handful of middle-class women of a certain age", adding he will now "take some time out".
The presenter was due to co-host Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off, where celebrities would battle it out for the Golden Whisk Trophy, by creating a two-course menu designed to impress the judges.
Comedian Shazia Mirza, Emmerdale actress Amy Walsh, reality star Luca Bish and The Wanted singer Max George were due to take part. Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse was also set to feature as the mystery guest.
"As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing competition, which is life-changing for the chefs taking part, and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned", a BBC spokesperson said. "The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them".
