BBC MasterChef’s return has been put on ice after Gregg Wallace stepped back from the programme last year.

MasterChef: Gregg Wallace samples dumpling dish

MasterChef’s return has been pushed back as the BBC waits for the outcome of a probe into axed host Gregg Wallace.

According to recent reports, the hit cooking show has been dropped from the schedule while lawyers continue to interview everyone from former contestants to the crew — and of course Wallace himself.

It comes after the former grocer, 60, stepped away from the show in the wake of a number of allegations that he had indulged in sexualised jokes and inappropriate remarks towards contestants. He denies any wrongdoing.

The cookery show, which usually airs between February and April, has been fully edited and is ready to be aired on BBC One, however, bosses are holding off until they get a full report on Wallace.

Sources told MailOnline: “BBC feel they have no option but to wait for the outcome of an inquiry into what went on, which is being conducted by lawyers at the firm Lewis Silkin.

READ MORE Gene Hackman and wife’s autopsy findings in troubling update over mystery deaths

BBC MasterChef return ‘shelved’ after Gregg Wallace replaced (Image: GETTY)

“They did not want to scrap the show, as it would have punished those who took part.

“It was not possible to edit out Wallace’s contributions, as he tastes the dishes alongside Torode and also chats to contestants.”

Chef Anna Haugh stepped in for the final filming days alongside host John Torode after the scandal erupted, while food critic Grace Dent joined Celebrity MasterChef in January.

A planned celebrity Christmas MasterChef was scrapped.

Grace Dent has replaced Gregg Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef (Image: PA)

Trending

Urgent recall issued over crisps linked to ‘possible health risk’ Gene Hackman and wife’s autopsy findings in troubling update over mystery deaths Migrant started £19,000 crime spree just two days after arriving in UK

 SUBSCRIBE
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

In all, 13 individuals said that Wallace had made inappropriate sexual comments, allegations he vehemently denied.

In an Instagram video he said there were “13 complaints” from “over 4,000 contestants” he had worked with in 20 years on the BBC show.

He went on to say the allegations came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”. He later apologised for those remarks.