MASTERCHEF CONFIRMED FOR FURTHER FOUR YEARS ON BBC ONE AMID GREGG WALLACE CONTROVERSY

MasterChef will continue on BBC One for at least the next four years, it has been confirmed.

The union Bectu, who represent workers in the media, said in a statement: "Banijay has had absolute confirmation from the BBC that they are fully committed to the current series and the show for at least the next 4 years. Filming will continue We are delighted that Banijay and the BBC will stand by the talent behind MasterChef."

Earlier this week, the BBC u-turned and confirmed it will not broadcast the two planned Celebrity MasterChef Christmas specials following allegations made against judge Gregg Wallace. MasterChef: The Professionals continued this week as scheduled.

A BBC spokesperson said: "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. The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them."

The BBC have also confirmed that scheduled repeats of Inside The Factory fronted by Wallace will not air. The new series with new host Paddy McGuinness launches over Christmas.