The Wanted star Max George has sparked concern amongst his fans after he referred to MasterChef in a post on Instagram. Max had filmed an appearance in the MasterChef Christmas special that has now been axed by the BBC following the accusations about host Gregg Wallace. On Wednesday 4 December, Max posted a black and white photo of himself on the set of the show, wearing the MasterChef apron. He captioned the pic with the words: “Was looking forward to Masterchef Xmas special, but obviously there are much more important matters going on.”
Fans immediately asked what was going on in the comments. One wrote: “I’m so sorry about what happened, hope you’re ok,” while a second said: “It’s so frustrating that because of a certain individual, people on the show such as yourself don’t get to share their appearance on it with us.”
Another added: “Aww Max the caption says you’re gutted that makes me sad, Don’t worry hun there are plenty of opportunities out there as there are fish in the sea, and you can still have a wonderful Christmas thanks to all your loved ones and us fans.”
Max is not the only star who was due to appear on the Christmas specials who has made a comment about the show being taken off the air. Emmerdale star Amy Walsh has said she has been left “beyond gutted” following the BBC’s decision to shelve the show, where audiences would have seen her display her culinary skills alongside Max, Love Island star Luca Bish and Shazia Mirza.
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 Bish also commented on social media, sharing a photo from the Celebrity MasterChef kitchen that he captioned: "Christmas is cancelled. Gutted our Christmas special has been put on hold but hope to be on your screens again soon."
The two Christmas specials were due to be shown this month, but have been withdrawn following accusations about Gregg Wallace making "inappropriate sexual jokes” and other behavioural issues. His lawyers have said: "It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature."
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."
