MasterChef Series 21 cuts two contestants after misconduct scandal

Two contestants on the current BBC One MasterChef series have been edited out at their request as the show continues to navigate the fallout from the scandal surrounding former hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode. One participant, identified only as Sarah Shafi, asked not to be broadcast, and a second contestant also requested removal; Banijay UK confirmed that they honored that wish. The episodes featuring the affected participants were produced before the presenters were removed from the show, and the season subsequently aired with five cooks instead of the usual six.

Sarah Shafi, a Leeds-based contestant, told producers she did not want to be part of a programme tied to the controversy and asked for her appearance to be cut. She has publicly stated that airing the series would send the wrong message amid allegations of misconduct by high-visibility figures in the industry. The production company confirmed that another contributor had independently decided not to be included, and that their wishes were respected. The second contestant’s episode aired on BBC One with five chefs, and officials have said the individual will not be identified.

The decision to air MasterChef Series...