BBC Masterchef Christmas special axed after Gregg Wallace scandal

The BBC has pulled its MasterChef Christmas special (Image: BBC/Shine TV)

The BBC has pulled its planned MasterChef Christmas special just days after TV judge Gregg Wallace stepped back from the cooking show.

Last week, the TV chef found himself embroiled in a series of allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour over the course of 17 years.

The corporation has now cancelled its two festive episodes which featured celebrities including The Wanted singer Max George, Emmerdale actor Amy Walsh, reality star Luca Bish and comedian Shazia Mira.

The second installmentm called MasterChef Meets Strictly Festive Extravaganzam was due to feature Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu, with Motsi Mabuse setting a challenge.

The BBC previously said it would continue airing all schedules episodes of MasterChef, but it appears as though TV bosses have had a change of heart after their announcement today (December 3).

READ MORE: BBC issued four-word warning on MasterChef future after Gregg Wallace scandal

Gregg Wallace stepped back from the programme last week (Image: BBC/Shine TV)

It comes after the BBC was criticised for showing a semi-final of the current series MasterChef: The Professionals despite the ongoing storm surrounding its co-host Wallace.

The 60-year-old broadcaster stepped back from the programme while allegations into alleged misconduct are investigated. He is facing claims from at least 13 people who have accused him of inappropriate behaviour, including walking on set naked with a sock on his genitles, telling inappropriate jokes, and groping crew members.

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Other allegations include talking openly about his sex life on set, including details of intimate acts, flirting with crew members and asking younger female colleagues for their numbers.

The dad-of-three vehemently denies the claims, and his lawyers say "it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature."

The sudden announcement appears to suggest that BBC bosses may be reconsidering their stance aafter previously pledging all filmed episodes would continue to be shown.

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A BBC source said on Monday (December 2): "MasterChef is life-changing for the chefs that take part and the show is about more than one individual."

But in a dramatic turn of events, the BBC has not only cancelled its MasterChef Christmas specials, but also the rerun of three episodes of Inside The Factory, a show Wallace hosted until leaving this year.

It comes after Gregg Wallace has apologised for "any offence caused" by his rant about "women of a certain age" amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Over the weekend, the star alleged that complaints came from "a handful of middle-class women of a certain age" on Instagram.

On Monday (December 2), the star took to his Instagram Stories, Gregg explained: "I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday, and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people.

"I wasn't in a good headspace when I posted it. I've been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion. I felt very alone, under seige, yesterday when I posted it.

"It's obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is underway. I hope you understand and I do hope you accept this apology."