A PR expert has issued the BBC a stern warning as the flagship company continues to air MasterChef despite host axe.
Last week, TV judge Gregg Wallace stepped aside from the BBC culinary show after 19 years as he faces allegations of sexual misconduct on several cooking programmes.
It has since been claimed that the flagship channel knew of some accusations since 2012 – 12 years before they came to light in a recent expose.
Former Celebrity MasterChef contestants claimed they made the channel aware of their concerns back in 2012. Wallace, meanwhile, denies all allegations as his lawyers insist it is “entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
Now a PR expert has warned the channel to “address this with caution” as the BBC continue to air the latest series of MasterChef despite the ongoing scandal.
It is understood the channel also has Christmas specials of the show prepared to go out later this year.
In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, PR guru Rochelle White has revealed what advice she would give to the company following the backlash from the presenter’s exit online.
She told us: “From a PR perspective, I feel that the BBC should address this with caution. They’re no strangers to controversy. However, I would advise to take the remaining episodes off the TV.
"I would take a break from the show and come back with fresh faces and even a slightly different format. It would be great to use this time to review and regroup.
"Like anything, they need to handle this in a sensitive and careful way. That also keeps the brand reputation in a fairly good light.” Express.co.uk has reached out to a spokesperson from the BBC for a comment.
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This isn’t the first scandal the channel and their presenters has faced this year. News anchor Huw Edwards admitted to three charges of making indecent images of children, pleading guilty at West minster Magistrates’ Court.
Huw stepped down from his role in 2023, with his wife Vicky Flind confirming to the public that he was the BBC presenter who had been suspended before she reportedly filed for divorce.
Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice stepped back from the dance competition after allegations of bullying from his former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington.
A BBC investigation found two moments of “inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace” and found Giovanni used “swear words” and “belittling” language against Amanda – thought several complaints were not upheld.
At the same time, Graziano Di Prima also left the series after claims of “physical incidents” against his partner Zara McDermott – including allegations he “kicked and hit” her. Graziano said he “apologised at the time” claiming his foot only “brushed” Zara when he “kicked the floor in frustration”.
The Repair Shop star Jay Blade recently pleaded not guilty to charges of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour to his wife Lisa Marie Zbozen.
Embroiled in a court case, Jay is accused of behaviour that “caused [Lisa-Marie] to fear on at least two occasions that violence would be used against her”, with allegations of both physical and emotional abuse.
He is set to appear in court next year, and is not currently filming his BBC programme – though past episodes will remain on iPlayer.
The One Show host Jermain Jenas was hit by accusations of “inappropriate” behaviour in August. Claims were made that he had been “sexting” two female co-workers and pursuing a woman who told him she had a boyfriend.
Jermaine was sacked by the BBC and taken off Match of the Day, but told The Sun: “I did nothing illegal – these inappropriate messages between two consenting adults. I am ashamed and I am deeply sorry.”
