Emmerdale star Amy Walsh has been left "beyond gutted" following the BBC's decision to axe the MasterChef Christmas special she was due to star in. The soap star was all set to showcase her culinary skills alongside celebs like Love Island star Luca Bish, Max George, and Shazia Mirza on the festive episodes of the hit cooking show.
However, the two Christmas specials, which were scheduled for a BBC One premiere this December, have been shelved amidst the accusations about host Gregg Wallace. Gregg, embroiled in a scandal over allegations of making "inappropriate sexual jokes" among other behavioural issues, has stepped back from his presenting duties pending an external review into the claims. His lawyers have said: "It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature."
The 60 year old presenter stirred further controversy with a video statement slamming "middle-class women of a certain age" for the complaints, though he later issued an apology, adding he will now “take some time out”. With accusations from 13 individuals spanning 17 years coming to light, as per BBC News, the BBC has opted to pull the plug on the Celebrity Christmas special featuring Amy and Luca.
Additionally, three repeat episodes of BBC Two's Inside the Factory have also been dropped from the schedule.
Amy wrote on Instagram: "Beyond gutted about this decision after all the hard work we all put in. Sorry to confirm they won’t be showing our Celebrity Christmas Special 2024! When we can I’ll try and share some pics of what I made, maybe I’ll recreate it for you all in my kitchen."
Luca also took to social media to express his disappointment over the cancellation of the show. He posted a black and white snap from the celebrity MasterChef kitchen simply captioned: "Christmas is cancelled. Gutted our Christmas special has been put on hold but hope to be on your screens again soon."
His fans were quick to respond with sympathy, one saying: "No we need you on the tv luca," with another adding: "Very disappointed. You and Amy are such a joy to watch together." A third disappointed user penned: "Love you bro. Hopefully, we’ll see you on there sometime soon or something."
"Gutted we won’t get to see you on Christmas Masterchef .. such a shame," echoed another.
Meanwhile, a BBC spokesperson explained: "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 second festive special, called MasterChef Meets Strictly Festive Extravaganza, was due to feature Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu, with Motsi Mabuse setting a challenge.
