The channel said it was "the right thing to do" for the chefs who took part, but British broadcast union Bectu has criticized the BBC for rewarding "bad behavior" with prime-time coverage.

The controversial new series of MasterChef, which is presented by sacked hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode, has landed on BBC iPlayer, leaving fans of the show torn.

The inaugural champion of the relaunched MasterChef has spoken out about her distress over John Torode's departure from the programme following a substantiated racism complaint. Thomasina Miers, who triumphed in the 2005 series,