Author: bang7

  • Piers Morgan’s son Spencer slammed after ‘sexist’ tweet hitting out at Lionesses following their Euros win!

    Piers Morgan’s son Spencer slammed after ‘sexist’ tweet hitting out at Lionesses following their Euros win!

    Spencer’s remarks didn’t go down well

    Piers Morgan’s son, Spencer, has come under fire on Twitter for a post he shard about the Lionesses last night (Sunday, July 27).

    Spencer, 32, made his “sexist” tweet following the Lionesses‘ victory at the European Championships.


    Moments before Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty (Credit: BBC)

    Spencer Morgan’s tweet about the Lionesses

    Last night (July 27), saw the England Women’s team lift the European Championships for the second time in a row. They beat Spain on penalties in Switzerland to retain their crown.

    The game finished 1-1 after Alessia Russo scored the equaliser for the Lionesses in the second half.  After both teams failed to break the deadlock in extra time, the game went to penalties.

    England blinked first, with Beth Mead missing her penalty. However, after some stunning saves from Hannah Hampton and penalty conversions from Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles, it was left down to Chloe Kelly to seal victory for the Lionesses once again.

    However, some trolls couldn’t help but take a pop at the team, despite their momentous achievement. Piers Morgan‘s son, Spencer, was among said trolls.

    “That shootout was the funniest thing I’ve seen since the last one. ‘Why can’t the men win?’ Because they’re playing against people capable of kicking a ball,” he tweeted.

    Spencer Morgan slammed

    However, Spencer’s replies weren’t flooded with support. Instead, many took umbrage with his mean-spirited comments.

    “These same weird blokes who have to appear edgy by hating women’s football. Bless them man, they’re very troubled blokes,” one person replied. “Just why would you stoop that low just say congrats and move, for Christ’s sake,” another fumed.

    “Imagine watching that game as an English man and then thinking let’s make it about the men’s game. Soak it up, you melon and enjoy the moment,” a third wrote.

    “They’ve achieved something. You’re just a bloke’s son,” another wrote. “No need to be sexist, Spencer. Well played, England, that’s all you need to say,” a fifth added.

    “A win is a win however it comes and this is their second trophy in four years. The men haven’t won anything for 59 years!!!” another pointed out. “Proper weird attention seeking. They’ve just beaten the World Cup holders,” another commented.


    Piers Morgan had a much more positive response than son Spencer on Twitter (Credit: TalkTV)

    Piers Morgan’s response to Lionesses winning

    Spencer’s dad, Piers, was much more supportive towards the ladies, however.

    “BOOOM! Well done @Lionesses – and great to see an Arsenal star score the winning penalty. Congrats @chloekell,” he tweeted last night.

  • Helen Skelton ‘cools down’ rumoured relationship with Gethin Jones as Welsh star is ‘spotted on dating app’!

    Helen Skelton ‘cools down’ rumoured relationship with Gethin Jones as Welsh star is ‘spotted on dating app’!

    ‘He’s keen to meet other women’

    BBC Morning Live hosts Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones have reportedly “cooled” their relationship after Gethin was spotted on a dating app.

    The Welsh presenter has said to have been seen on celebrity dating app Raya while on a lads’ holiday in Australia. The news arrives shortly after he and Helen made continuous headlines about their rumoured relationship off-camera.

    However, in a new update, it appears their so-called romance has come to an end…


    Gethin is reportedly back on dating app Raya (Credit: BBC)

    Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton have ‘cooled down’ their ‘relationship’

    According to a source at the MailOnline, Gethin is “on the prowl Down Under”. After months of speculation, this has reportedly put “the nail in the coffin for his romance” with Helen Skelton.

    The insider insisted he is “there with pals but keen to meet other women”.

    He has far too much respect for her to even go behind her back.

    “There is no way Helen would stand for that if they were together and he has far too much respect for her to even go behind her back. Despite having an increasingly close connection, it’s cooled down significantly, which is gutting for fans who really wanted them to be together,” they added.

    ED! has contacted Gethin’s reps for comment.


    Gethin and Helen reportedly have been dating (Credit: Splashnews.com)

    ‘They’re both keen to keep a lid on it to avoid public scrutiny’

    While the pair have never addressed their ‘relationship’, sources continued to hint they were together.
    “Helen and Gethin have an extremely close working relationship and there’s a feeling in recent months their friendship has blossomed into a deeper connection,” one said.

    The insider also claimed: “They’re both keen to keep a lid on it to avoid public scrutiny but there’s no denying their closeness both on and off screen.”

    Last month, however, Gethin wasn’t shy about sending a cheeky birthday message to Helen. The post came after they were reportedly “all over each other” during a spa day out.

  • Louise Redknapp wishes rarely-seen son a happy 21st birthday as fans declare ‘he’s your double’!

    Louise Redknapp wishes rarely-seen son a happy 21st birthday as fans declare ‘he’s your double’!

    ‘He’s the spitting image of you!’

    Louise Redknapp has delighted fans after she shared a sweet tribute to her son Charley on his milestone birthday.

    The singer, 50, is a proud mum to Charley, and 16-year-old Blue, whom she shares with ex Jamie Redknapp, 52. And at the weekend, Louise celebrated Charley’s 21st birthday and paid tribute to him with a series of sweet snaps from over the years.


    The singer shared a sweet tribute to her son (Credit: YouTube)

    Louise Redknapp’s shock at son turning 21

    On Sunday (July 27) Louise took to her Instagram to wish her son Charley a happy birthday. The Strictly star uploaded several photos of the mother-and-son duo.

    In the caption, she wrote: “How did this happen?! My baby is 21 years old today!!!

    “Chaz I am so proud of you and the charming young man you have become, you’ve been my partner in crime and shadow since day one and nothing makes me happier than seeing you living your best life.

    “You have an incredible future ahead of you keep on working hard and absolutely smashing it. I would however like to request that you now at the age of 21 learn how to wash up, turn the lights off and pick your clothes up off the bedroom floor… but maybe we’ll get there for next year.”

    Louise added: “Happy Birthday Charley, Have the most amazing day! We love you so much. Love Mum Xxx.”

    ‘He’s the spitting image of you’

    Louise’s loyal legion of followers rushed to the comments section to wish Charley a happy birthday, while also pointing out how much they look like one another.

    “Happy 21st birthday. He’s the spitting image of you!” declared one fan.

    Someone else added: “You look like he could be your brother not your son.” Echoing their thoughts, another chimed in: “He got his good looks from his mum.”

    A fourth person also wrote: “Beautiful pics, he’s your double.”

    Louise’s new romance

    In other Louise news, the ageless beauty is in a new happy relationship with boyfriend Drew Michael, 41.

    Previously, she married footballer Jamie Redknapp, 52, in Bermuda in 1998 in a “private” wedding. However, after 19 years of marriage, Jamie and Louise announced their split in December 2017.

    Jamie got remarried to model Frida Andersson in 2021 and welcomed a son, Raphael, that same year.

    What’s more, Louise has also moved on with hunky businessman Drew.

  • England hero Hannah Hampton reveals her grandfather died two days before the Euros kicked off!

    England hero Hannah Hampton reveals her grandfather died two days before the Euros kicked off!

    ‘I hope I made you proud, Grandpa’

    England Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has revealed a family tragedy that occurred just two days before the Euros.

    The 24-year-old Lioness shared the heartfelt news on Instagram earlier today (Monday, July 28).

    Lionesses star Hannah Hampton pays tribute to her grandfather

    Last night saw Hannah cement herself in England football folklore by saving two penalties in the Euros final, helping the team win their second consecutive European Championship.

    However, just days before the tournament began in Switzerland, the star was rocked by the death of her grandfather.

    Taking to Instagram today, the Chelsea goalkeeper shared a snap of her England jersey. In the inside collar, the star had had the word ‘Grandpa’ and ‘222’ printed.

    “Dear Grandpa, Two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left. It still doesn’t feel real. I kept thinking when I’d call Nannie I’d hear your voice again – one of your jokes, or one of those little comments you’d make that somehow said everything without saying much at all,” she wrote.


    Hannah paid tribute (Credit: ITV)

    ‘It still doesn’t feel real’

    The star then continued.

    “You were one of my biggest supporters. You believed in me before I even knew what this journey would look like. You were always there – watching, encouraging, teaching. You taught me so much, not just about football, but about life. About staying grounded, working hard, being resilient and doing things the right way,” she then wrote.

    I carried you through every minute. And I always will. I did it. WE DID IT.

    “I miss our chats. I miss you saying “Only us athletes understand” — always with a little smirk like you were in on something special. And you were. You got it. You understood what this meant to me. You understood what it took,” she then continued.

    “It breaks my heart that you didn’t get to see me walk out for our country at my first major tournament… something you dreamed of for me, something we talked about so many times. I wanted to see your face or hear your voice after the game calling back home. I wanted to share that with you. But I know, deep down, you were still there. I felt you with me. In the tunnel. On the pitch. In the tough moments. I heard you in my head when I needed strength.

    “I hope I made you proud, Grandpa. I carried you through every minute. And I always will. I did it. WE DID IT.”


    Hannah was supported by fans (Credit: ITV)

    Fans send Hannah their support

    Hannah’s fans and followers flooded the comment section with their support.

    “Sending our love, Hannah,” the official Chelsea Women account commented.

    “Immensely proud Han,” her fellow England player, Aggie Beever-Jones, wrote.

    “Awwww Hannah so sorry to hear this. He absolutely would have been proud as the whole nation is today! Sending love to you and your family,” another follower said.

    “This is so beautifully written. I felt every word of it. Grandpa was right there with you,” another wrote.

    “The perfect way to honour him. You couldn’t have made him prouder H,” a fifth then added.

  • Channel 4 ‘proud’ to show Bonnie Blue documentary with multiple sex scenes!

    Channel 4 ‘proud’ to show Bonnie Blue documentary with multiple sex scenes!

    Channel 4 has a history of making great documentaries but has surprised some critics with new Bonnie Blue documentary


    Bonnie Blue at the launch of her Channel 4 documentary(Image: Edward Ed Gleave)

    Channel 4 has defended the decision to make a documentary about online porn star Bonnie Blue – insisting it is “proud” of the film and that is wants to “stimulate debate”.

    Viewers tuning in to watch 1000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story this week will receive an on air warning about the content before the documentary airs at 10pm. It features multiple scenes of graphic sex not normally seen on TV.

    Tia Billinger uses the stage name Bonnie Blue and invites men to have sex with her which she films and makes money from online. She is also known for angering and abusing other women online, including by suggesting she likes to sleep with married men.

    In January she caused social media outrage by announcing she’d slept with 1,057 men in 12 hours.


    Channel 4 insist they are ‘proud’ to show Bonnie Blue documentary(Image: Instagram/bonnie_blue_xo)

    The Channel 4 documentary’s crew and director rarely question her about the abuse she gives to other women and her financial claims of earning millions each month also go unquestioned or unproven on screen.

    She also uses other younger girls to make one film and they say they are not being paid, despite the fact Tia would make thousands from the film. Aside from Tia expressing some fears about walking in public alone, the tone is largely celebratory.

    Asked about their decision to broadcast the documentary, Channel 4 told the Mirror: “Tia Billinger, via her stage name Bonnie Blue, has gained worldwide attention and millions of pounds in the last year. 1000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story is an observational documentary in which director Victoria Silver follows Tia over the course of six months. The film questions Tia’s methods and the divisive style of her social media and hears from colleagues and collaborators in order to understand her polarising business model.

    “Part of Channel 4’s remit is to reflect modern Britain and stimulate debate amongst viewers, and a film such as this, exploring changing attitudes to sex, success, porn, and feminism in an ever-evolving online world is an important addition to those conversations.

    “Channel 4 has a track record of programmes that examine the porn industry from a variety of perspectives. In the last two years we have broadcast programmes such as Sex Actually with Alice Levine that looked at a range of sexual experiences, while OnlyFans Got Me Fired: Untold and Confessions of a Cam Girl showed the personal cost of porn for content creators.”

    They also insisted the sections of the documentary showing Bonnie having sex multiple times across the documentary was necessary.

    They added: “Careful consideration has been given to the content and the way in which it is included. The explicit content in the documentary is editorially justified and provides essential context; making pornographic content is Bonnie’s job, and this film is about her work and the response to it. Crucially, the content is presented in a non-gratuitous manner and viewers will be alerted of the sexual content in a programme warning at the start to ensure they understand from the outset the nature of the programme.”

    Journalists were shown the film at a screening at Channel 4 last week attended by Tia, where even she expressed surprise at how many sex scenes “were in there”.

    Introducing the film, Commissioning Editor Tim Hancock said before the screening: “I believe it is Channel 4’s job to tell stories like this, trying to get behind the truth of the headlines. We film real stories in real time. We are very proud to do films like this.”

    Asked why there was so much porn in the documentary and if she was braced for complaints, director Victoria Silver said: “I had to explain to her(Tia) if I was making a film about a musician or some kind of other performer their work would be in there. I think it is important to see what she does.”

  • BBC Crisis: Alex Jones Responds to Jermaine Jenas’ Sext Scandal After Shocking Axe.

    BBC Crisis: Alex Jones Responds to Jermaine Jenas’ Sext Scandal After Shocking Axe.

    Presenter Alex Jones has broken her silence on Jermaine Jenas’ axe from The One Show and BBC following his sexting scandal

    The One Show's Alex Jones responds to Jermaine Jenas' text row after he was sacked from show
    The One Show’s Alex Jones responds to Jermaine Jenas’ text row after he was sacked from show(Image: BBC)

    Alex Jones has responded to her former co-worker Jermaine Jenas’ text row after he was sacked from the BBC and ITV over allegations of workplace misconduct.

    The former England international was axed in August over claims he had sent inappropriate texts to female colleagues. Jenas, 42, was removed from his role as a presenter of The One Show and a pundit for BBC Sport after an internal investigation was launched.

    He saw his contract terminated by the broadcaster and ultimately also parted ways with his long-term agents MC Saatchi in addition to being let go from his role presenting Formula E.

    Jenas also missed out on presenting Soccer Aid for ITV last month over the allegations. However, he has returned to working in the sphere of football in the aftermath of his sacking by BBC.

    Alex has said she didn't know what was going on with Jermaine
    Alex has said she didn’t know what was going on with Jermaine(Image: BBC)

    Following Jenas’ BBC axe, his former colleague Alex, 51, has now claimed that she was ‘completely unaware’ about complaints made against him. After learning about the sexting scandal and the allegations of misconduct, Alex has insisted that she had ‘no idea’ what was going on at the time.

    “I very much take people on face value. But with JJ I didn’t know what was going on. I thought he was taking extended leave,” she revealed.

    “If that was my daughter and she felt uncomfortable with someone’s behaviour, I hope that whatever company she was working for would deal with it swiftly as well,” she told The Big Issue.

    Jermaine was sacked from the BBC show
    Jermaine was sacked from the BBC show (Image: PA)

    After stepping back from his role as a presenter on talkSPORT, the 42-year-old appeared as a guest and returned to action as a commentator in February.

    Upon his return, Jenas told the station: “The biggest thing in this whole situation is about taking responsibility and that has been at the forefront of my mind… There’s a reason why you’re in this position and there’s a reason why this has happened.

    “Once you accept those things, then you can work on yourself and you can work on the other things and you can work on your family and work towards a brighter future. Essentially this is about me looking inwards, making some improvements and coming back a better person.”

    Jermaine's wife has since left him
    Jermaine’s wife has since left him(Image: WireImage)

    In March, Ellie Penfold announced her split from Jenas. The pair share four children and Penfold took so social media to confirm the end of her 16-year relationship.

    “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary,” she said.After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways.

    “We will remain friends and continue to co-parent. We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time. Thank you, Ellie.”

  • Did Prince Harry Get It All Wrong About His Family? The Shocking Truth Revealed!

    Did Prince Harry Get It All Wrong About His Family? The Shocking Truth Revealed!

    The Duke of Sussex greatly misunderstood his role as the second born son to the King, according to one expert, who says he had a far more important position within the Firm


    According to a royal expert, Prince Harry misunderstood his role as the ‘spare’

    Prince Harry has long claimed that he has lived his entire life in the shadow of Prince William as the ‘spare’, even using it as the title for his tell-all autobiography. According to the Duke of Sussex, his role as the second born son to the King was to be a back-up monarch in the event his older brother was not able to fulfil his role as the future King.

    However, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that Prince Harry had a more important position to play within the royal family at large: one that he could’ve learned from his aunt, Princess Anne. The King’s sister, who was also dubbed the ‘spare’ as the second sibling to Charles, has led a life devoted to the Firm, often referred to as the “hardest working royal”.

    A royal expert believes Prince Harry misunderstood his role as the second born son to the King(Image: Getty Images)

    As Harry wrote in his memoir, it was his father King Charles who first used the harsh nickname of ‘spare’ to refer to his youngest son, in reaction to Princess Diana giving birth to a second boy. Harry said his dad’s words were: “Wonderful! Now you’ve given me an heir and a spare – my work is done.”

    But according to Jennie Bond, Prince Harry should’ve sought guidance from the Princess Royal on how to support the royal family throughout his life, rather than focusing on his unofficial title as the ‘spare’.

    Bond told the Mirror : “She could have told her nephew that ‘playing second fiddle’ is the wrong way to look at his status. Instead, as she has shown, the second born can be an invaluable support to the institution of monarchy, and a vital friend, confidant and wingman/woman to the monarch.


    Jennie Bond believes Prince Harry could’ve learned from Princess Anne about his role as a ‘spare'(Image: Getty Images)

    “She could have explained that they are a team, a firm, working together to keep the monarchy relevant and using their platform to help charities and communities.”

    The royal expert also believes that while other royal commentators have claimed that Prince Harry could use his relationship with Princess Anne to mend the royal rift with his father, that it is too late for the Duke to lean on his aunt for help to initiate a royal reconciliation.

    Bond said: “Yes Anne woud have been the perfect person to offer advice and guidance, but sadly, this is no longer relevant as Harry has made it quite clear that he has no desire to return to life as a working royal.”

    The former BBC royal correspondent also speculated that Princess Anne may not want to get involved in rehashing the drama between Harry and Charles, and even questioned whether the Princess Royal knew the extent of the family rift.

    She said: “It may be that the King has discussed his family troubles with Anne, but I rather doubt that she would want to get involved. To Anne, loyalty is paramount, and I suspect she feels that Harry has been extremely disloyal to his father, his brother and the monarchy. She might well find that hard to forgive.”

  • David Beckham’s Tender Embrace with Victoria and Harper on Superyacht Amid Explosive Family Feud.

    David Beckham’s Tender Embrace with Victoria and Harper on Superyacht Amid Explosive Family Feud.

    For months, rumours have rumbled of a bitter split within the Beckham family – but proud dad David looked happy as a clam as he hugged his daughter and wife on a luxury holiday


    Victoria and David Beckham are enjoying their annual summer holiday(Image: Victoria Beckham Instagram)

    David Beckham looked in good spirits on the high seas as he hugged his daughter and wife during a trip to St Tropez. The 50-year-old sporting legend joined wife Victoria, 51, and daughter Harper Seven, 14, on the deck of a luxury yacht.

    The sport star looked casual in a sand coloured cap and dark t-shirt – and with a smile stretched across his face. Victoria pouted alongside her husband with her hair loose around her shoulders.

    While teenage daughter Harper looked pretty in a pink as she wrapped up in a casual hooded top. The trio were spied on the deck of the boat lined up for a photograph together.

    The famous family are known for heading to the south of France to enjoy a summer break year after year. And they were joined by second son, Romeo, 22 – who reportedly spent the afternoon zipping around the sea on a jet ski.

    Father, daughter and wife posed and smiled for the cameras as their boat – worth a reported £16 million – bobbed gently on the Mediterranean waters. The Daily Mail shared the sun-soaked snaps which made the family look like they had not a care in the world while enjoying the picturesque French weather.


    The Beckhams have been sunning themselves in France(Image: INSTAGRAM)

    The calm image is in contrast to the stormy headlines that have haunted the Beckham family in recent months. A feud is said to have erupted between the family and eldest son Brookyln – who is married to American Billionaire heiress Nicola Peltz.

    Fans became concerned for the Beckhams after they noticed Brooklyn and his wife snubbed David during his 50th birthday celebrations in May. In subsequent months, there have been reports that Brooklyn and Nicola have clashed with his younger brothers – while other reports have suggested the family have been at odds since Nicola and her husband got married in 2022.

    There have also been shady comments and social media quips that have left fans reading into the smallest details for evidence of a feud.


    Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz have been spied in the UK while the rest of his family are abroad(Image: Instagram/ @nicolaannepeltzbeckham)

    On Saturday, social media posts featuring Romeo and his younger sister Harper hinted they were glad to be in the sun and away from feud-fuelled headlines.

    The duo were spotted heading out for dinner in St Tropez and both cut casual appearances. Romeo was pictured wearing a red baseball cap, teamed with a round neck white sweater.

    Meanwhile Harper opted for a white hoodie with the word “Seven” emblazoned across the front of it. Both looked in high spirits as they enjoyed an evening out with their parents.

    While Vicky, Dave and their kids have been lapping up the sun in France, estranged son Brooklyn has been spotted in the UK – far from his Hollywood home. The couple took a leisurely stroll through a picturesque garden where they were spied by fans.

    Nicola took a candid photo of her husband by a quaint garden well, while they both opted for casual outfits for their trip. One sweet photo shows Brooklyn kissing Nicola as they pose in front of a mirror.

    Fans noted, however, that the couple enjoyed time in the UK while the rest of the Beckham family were abroad – raising speculation they may have coordinated their trip to avoid a run in.

  • Health Crisis Strikes: Popular TV Star Diagnosed with Tumour, Facing Years of Medication and Treatment – What Happens Next?

    Health Crisis Strikes: Popular TV Star Diagnosed with Tumour, Facing Years of Medication and Treatment – What Happens Next?

    Singer and former I’m A Celebrity star Russell Watson has shared an update on his health in a candid Good Morning Britain chat after undergoing surgery for two brain tumours


    Russell Watson has opened up about his health after battling two brain tumours

    I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! alumni Russell Watson has shared a health update after battling two brain tumours. The singer, who competed on the 2020 series of I’m A Celeb, appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain today to chat about his honorary doctorate from the University of Greater Manchester.

    The star was given the degree at a ceremony for students from the School of Health, Science and Society, during which he shared how his health battles had “graphically highlighted” to him the “amazing job done by staff in our NHS”. Russell, 58, was diagnosed with his first brain tumour in 2005 after experiencing headaches and underwent brain surgery for a benign brain tumour.

    Russell Watson appeared on Good Morning Britain to speak about his honorary doctorate

    A second brain tumour was found in 2007 after an MRI scan showed it had regrown and caused bleeding into his brain. The singer required emergency surgery and underwent extensive radiotherapy afterwards.

    When asked by presenter Charlotte Hawkins about his health on today’s programme, Russell said: “It’s good. It’s very good. I feel good, I feel strong.” He added: “I’ll be on a lifetime of medication – that’s one of the by products of what happened to me. But I’m just happy to be here. I have a wonderful life, I’m very very lucky. I’ve been 25 years in the industry. Having lasted this long is a great thing.”

    Earlier this year, Russell shared the chilling words he received from doctors shortly after being diagnosed with his second brain tumour. He told The Guardian: “After surgery, I was told that, even healthy and fit, I would no longer perform like my younger self – something that I refused to accept.

    “I may not be the wagging-tailed puppy-dog any more, but my voice is in the best shape it’s been in, and I think I look in pretty good shape as well. My life has been this cacophony of incredible highs and disastrous lows, but it’s made me the person I am today.”

    According to the NHS, those suffering with a brain tumour can have a number of different symptoms depending on where in the brain the tumour is found. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, persistently feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and drowsiness.

    I’m A Celebrity fans can’t wait for the show’s South Africa edition to return – with ex Emmerdale star Adam Thomas reportedly in “advanced talks” with ITV about appearing on the show.

  • MasterChef Faces Uncertainty as Gregg Wallace Breaks Silence on Sudden Sacking: What’s Next for the Iconic Show?

    MasterChef Faces Uncertainty as Gregg Wallace Breaks Silence on Sudden Sacking: What’s Next for the Iconic Show?

    MasterChef bosses have issued an update on the show’s future following the sacking of Gregg Wallace and John Torode.


    Former hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace were recently dismissed from their long-running positions on the culinary competition(Image: BBC/Shine TV)

    MasterChef bosses have issued an update on the future of the show following the sacking of John Torode and Gregg Wallace.

    In recent weeks, both hosts of the long-running culinary competition have been let go by the BBC, with Torode having been dealt with a historic accusation of using racist language, and Wallace was the subject of more than 50 complaints to do with inappropriate behaviour.

    The broadcaster recently confirmed that the most recent batch of episodes will air as planned in August despite their dismissal, and now production company Banjay has confirmed that the next series will go ahead as they put out a call for new contestants.

    A post on the show’s official website read: “For over 20 years we have been putting Britain’s best food talents through their paces. Cooking doesn’t get tougher than this. Whether you’re an amateur cook looking to showcase your home-taught skills or a professional chef wanting to take your career to the next level you can apply for a UK MasterChef series below.”

    It is not yet clear when filming will get underway, but, as ever, those wanting to take part must be of complete amateur level and have to declare that they have never prepared food in a professional environment. It is thought that TV chef Andi Oliver and Saturday Kitchen star Matt Tebbutt could be taking the reins when the show returns. Plans for the new series have come to light just hours after Wallace, 60, broke his silence on his dismissal and claimed that he has no interest in ever working in television again.


    John Torode and Gregg Wallace were recently sacked by the BBC but bosses have confirmed that the programme will be back for a new series by asking for hopefuls to send in their applications(Image: BBC/Shine TV)

    Opening up to The Sun, Wallace said: “I’m hurt. I don’t want anything to do with telly. I don’t want anything to do with the BBC.” He went on to allege that he had been a victim of sexual harassment and that he had always overlooked inappropriate behaviour. He told the publication: “The whole complaints procedure needs to be readdressed – there are huge problems with it as things stand.

    “Being on MasterChef was brilliant but I had so many bad experiences on that show too. Had I wanted to raise any complaints, I’d have had the decency to speak to that person directly. Privately, not publicly.”

    Earlier this month, Wallace said he was “deeply sorry for any distress” he caused with his past behaviour after the BBC concluded their investigation. In a statement released via the PA, he insisted that he “never set out to harm or humiliate” anyone. MasterChef’s production company, Banijay, employed an independent law firm to conduct the investigation into the allegations made against Wallace.

    The incident sparked comment from the government, with the Prime Minister’s official spokesman saying: “We’re clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future.”

    “After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August,” a spokesperson said. “MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.

    “This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it. In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters,” they continued.

    “We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC. However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.”