BBC boss makes grim prediction after MasterChef scandal and hints at more problems

The BBC has suggested they may never be able to eliminate workplace abuses of power on their shows after being rocked by misconduct scandals on hit series like MasterChef.

Whilst giving evidence to the UK Parliament's Culture, Media and Sport Committee, the BBC director general Tim Davie and chair Samir Shah were asked if they will be able to guarantee a crisis free future for the broadcaster.

The answer was no. "You will never fully eliminate human misbehaviour," Shah said referring to the effectiveness of the actions an BBC has taken following the Independent review into workplace culture, before proceeding to suggest this is a particular problem at the BBC, where, when allegations come to light, they become a matter of public interest.

"Because it's the BBC, if it's somebody famous, it'll become news."

Davie gave a similar answer in the form of a grim prediction: "We may see more things coming out"

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The BBC bosses promised the corporation is handling complaints better following a workplace culture review earlier this year. They also said "very serious disciplinary actions, including dismissals" would be taking place against those credibly accused of wrongdoing and that some have, though they declined to provide details of any such cases.

Davie did highlight recent events involving the replacement of John Torode and Gregg Wallace as MasterChef's judges though. Both denied wrong doing but an independent review confirmed both had behaved inappropriately during production and they have now been dismissed from the show. They have been replaced with Anna Haugh and Grace Dent, both of whom have been judges on previous seasons.

Davie also said the BBC have been accused of being "too tough" in recent weeks. There was some backlash concerning Torode being fired from the cooking competition show after he was alleged to have used an offensive racist term. Torode does not recall such language being used.

There has not been similar backlash about co-presenter and judge Gregg Wallace. An independent report substantiated 45 allegations made against Wallace, including claims of inappropriate sexual language and one incident of unwelcome physical contact. Wallace has apologised for "any distress caused" but said the report cleared him of the most serious allegations.

Given many BBC shows are produced by third-party production companies, Davie also promised that the BBC is an "open door" for any freelancers to raise concerns about working environments whilst contracted for a BBC show.

Davie also addressed the controversy surrounding the decision to air the most recent series of MasterChef despite Wallace and Torode's involvement and objections from some contestants. The Guardian reported that one contestant, Sarah Shafi, was edited out of the show after she told producers she did not want it to be broadcast following this year's scandals.

Shafi said broadcasting the show would send the wrong message to women and show a lack of accountability for men who abuse their power. It was later revealed that a second contestant was edited out.

Davie called the decision a "tough call" and said it was taken after BBC research shows that audiences supported the decision.

The Mirror has reached out to the BBC for a comment following Davie and Shah's words. They reiterated that Shah's words were talking about the effectiveness of the BBC's actions rather than MasterChef specifically and have not commented on anything said by Davie.

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