Inside the MasterChef crisis as Gregg Wallace, John Torode sacked

Wallace and Torode were never friends, according to sources. They had separate dressing rooms on set and would only meet to film.

But this divisive reporting style is thought to have worsened the production climate in the wake of the investigation.

It is now understood they will be brought in under new policies and offer 100% assurance to BBC producers about the conduct of others on their shows, as well as themselves.

In an interview with Mel Giedroyc, Davie defended the BBC’s actions, saying it had to comply when conclusions were reached.

“The sheer volume of claims against Wallace and Torode was unprecedented,” said one BBC source. “For them, it felt like being hit by a truck.”

For the BBC team behind MasterChef, the last few weeks have been arduous, to say the least. But producers insist they are confident the show will go on.

Despite neither is returning to the show, it is understood that the production team has already started working on the next series. This could reassure fans and those who work in the industry that life on MasterChef will carry on after all.