BBC pulls MasterChef Christmas shows from TV schedule after Gregg Wallace allegations

Two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials have been pulled from the BBC’s schedule as the Gregg Wallace row rumbles on.

Wallace, 60, stepped away from hosting the cooking show while production company Banijay UK investigates historical misconduct complaints. Gregg's lawyers have denied allegations of sexually harassing behaviour, calling them "entirely false".

The broadcaster previously announced hour-long broadcasts of Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook-Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza as part of its festive schedule for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

READ MORE: Melanie Sykes quit TV over Gregg Wallace's 'jaw-dropping' behaviour on BBC MasterChef set

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.”

Wallace apologised on Monday for claiming complaints about his behaviour came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”, adding he will now “take some time out”.

He faces allegations from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News on Thursday, with many others since sharing their experiences.

Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off, hosted by Wallace and John Torode, was to see celebrities competing for the glittery Golden Whisk Trophy. Emmerdale actor Amy Walsh, comedian Shazia Mirza, reality star Luca Bish, and The Wanted singer Max George, who all appeared on Celebrity MasterChef last year, were set to feature.

The BBC previously announced the Strictly Come