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.

BBC viewers were left in disbelief as familiar faces unexpectedly graced their screens. What unfolded on MasterChef has everyone talking

MasterChef has made an early return to screens with the launch of a new series that was filmed before hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode were sacked.