MasterChef replacement revealed after Gregg Wallace scandal sees BBC pull Christmas specials

THE BBC has replaced MasterChef's Christmas special episodes following an investigation into Gregg Wallace's conduct on the show.

TV schedules reveal that Celeb Escape To The Country will now air on Monday 23 instead of Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off.

A Repair Shop Favourite Fixes episode will take the slot on Monday 30 instead of MasterChef Meets Strictly Festive Extravaganza.

The current series of MasterChef The Professionals will still air this week and next.

Two episodes of MasterChef’s Christmas Cook Off were set to feature a host of stars.

Emmerdale actor Amy Walsh, comedian Shazia Mirza, reality star Luca Bish, and The Wanted singer Max George, who all appeared on Celebrity MasterChef last year, were set to feature.

It comes after the decision to keep airing pre-filmed episodes of MasterChef sparked huge backlash.

A BBC spokesperson said: "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."

The broadcaster previously justified airing the semi-final of MasterChef: The Professionals on BBC One because it was “life-changing” for the competitors.

Wallace stepped back from his presenting roles last week as the BBC investigates his behaviour.

A string of celebrities, ex-MasterChef stars and production staff have been coming forward with claims against the show's host.