BBC PULL CELEBRITY MASTERCHEF CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

The BBC have 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 will continue this week as planned.

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 confirmed that scheduled repeats of Inside The Factory will not air.

Details on the planned MasterChef specials are below...

FESTIVE COOK-OFF

Emmerdale actor Amy Walsh; comedian Shazia Mirza; reality star Luca Bish and popstar and lead singer of The Wanted, Max George did themselves proud in 2023, but are now back with their sights set on the glittery Golden Whisk Trophy!

Their first challenge is the Secret Santa Mystery Box, each containing the recipe for a sensational seasonal treat. The stars must all crise to the occasion for a special Christmas guest judge – their fellow 2023 contestant and champion, Duncan James – who won’t want to leave feeling blue! Next, the four must cook their ultimate Christmas dinner.

STRICTLY SPECIAL

They can waltz, they can foxtrot, they can jive, but can they cook? This one-off special opens the floor to four of Strictly Come Dancing’s much-loved professionals.

Adding an extra sprinkling of glitz and glamour to the stoves and competing to be crowned MasterChef Festive Cha-Cha-Champion are Amy Dowden MBE, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu.

John and Gregg reveal that a mystery guest has set the first challenge – unbeknownst to the dancers, it’s Strictly judge, Motsi Mabuse! Instead of judging their moves, she will be critiquing their cooking as they create some of her favourite festive dishes. Next, they must dazzle John and Gregg with their best two-course menu worthy of a great celebration.

As the Strictly pros switch from dance-off to cook-off, expect glitter, fabulous food, and culinary moves. Eat your heart out, glitterball, these dancers are aiming for the MasterChef Festive Champion Glittery Whisk!