BBC MasterChef fans demand contestant is 'disqualified' after major error

BBC audiences called for a contestant's immediate removal from MasterChef following a catastrophic error during judging. The remaining six contenders - Naomi, Martin, Joy, Michael, Reuben and Victoria - faced the challenge of impressing Gregg Wallace and John Torode with their "basic to brilliant" creations.

Contestants were instructed to transform everyday home cooking into something "extraordinary". IT project manager Reuben chose to present traditional beef and pork mince meatballs alongside handmade pappardelle pasta in tomato sauce.

Catastrophe unfolded when Gregg sliced into the meatballs, revealing they remained completely raw inside, reports the Express. Despite compliments for his pasta and sauce, the judges didn't mince their words about the glaring issue.

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Gregg declared: "Big issue with the meatballs," whilst John stated: "I cannot ignore the fact that you've got meatballs that aren't cooked all the way through."

A dejected Reuben confessed: "I'm feeling deflated. After all, they weren't cooked all the way through, so I can forgive them for not wanting to eat them."

Viewers immediately flooded social media, demanding his elimination for the dangerous mistake. One viewer said: "Undercooked meatballs should be instant disqualification."

Another questioned sarcastically: "Were they cooked with a blowtorch?" A third declared angrily: "Sorry, but that's a major schoolboy error at the stage he should absolutely be disqualified. Shame."

This will be the last series for Gregg Wallace and John Torode, with both the BBC stars being axed. Gregg was axed from the show after law firm Lewis Silkin upheld 45 out of 85 complaints against Wallace of inappropriate behaviour. While the 60-year-old has admitted using inappropriate language at times, he denies the more serious allegations.

John did not have his contract renewed with Banijay UK - who make MasterChef - after he was alleged to have used racist language amid an investigation into his former co-star's behaviour. He claimed he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened.

The BBC came under fire for their decision to air this new series featuring both Gregg and John. They issued a statement, which read: "After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August. MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.

"This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it. In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings 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."

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