The BBC has made a big announcement about the future of MasterChef after both hosts left the show amid a furore.
In the wake of John Torode's departure from the much-loved series, a huge question remained as to whether series 21 would air.
The series features both the Australian chef and his longtime co-host Gregg Wallace, who left the show after a string of complaints.
Banijay, the production company behind MasterChef, conducted an independent review of the 83 complaints against Wallace, with 45 of them being upheld, promoting his dismissal from the series.
The same report also upheld a complaint against Torode, which alleged that he had used racial language in the past on two occasions, which he has failed to recall and has vehemently condemned the use of such language.
In the wake of the drama, a BBC spokesman called for Banijay to take action against John.
They said: 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.'
Given its strong stance on the matter, it was widely believed that series 21, which features both presenters, would be shelved, but not so.
On Wednesday, the station confirmed that it will go ahead with airing the new MasterChef series in August but acknowledged that not everyone will agree with the decision.
A spokesperson confirmed the news, saying: 'After careful consideration and consultation with contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from August 6. '
They said that it has 'not been an easy decision in the circumstances.'
'...In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld finding against both presenters. '
'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.'
They went on to state that it was important for the contestants to be 'properly recognised.'
'More importantly, MasterChef is a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual. There are many talented, dedicated and hard-working people who make the show what it is. It will continue to flourish on the BBC, and we look forward to it returning, stronger than ever, in the future.'
The future of the celebrity series and the two Christmas specials featuring Torode remains uncertain while his ITV programme with Lisa Faulkner will continue.
