ITV Love Island star says 'Christmas cancelled' after BBC pulls MasterChef special

Former Love Island contestant Luca Bish has announced "Christmas is cancelled" after the BBC confirmed that the MasterChef Christmas special he was due to feature in has been scrapped. The 25 year old reality TV personality was poised to join Amy Walsh, Max George, and Shazia Mirza for a festive rendition of the culinary competition.

Initially scheduled for broadcast on BBC One later this month, the two Christmas episodes have been shelved in light of the recent controversy involving allegations against ex-host Gregg Wallace. Wallace, embroiled in claims of making "inappropriate sexual jokes" among other behavioural issues, stepped down from his presenting duties pending an external investigation into the misconduct claims.

Over the weekend, the 60 year old presenter released a contentious video statement condemning a group of "middle-class women of a certain age" for their complaints, for which he later apologised. According to a BBC News report last Thursday, Wallace faces accusations from 13 individuals spanning various programmes over 17 years, with more people coming forward with their accounts since then.

With the inquiry ongoing, the BBC has opted not to air the Celebrity Christmas special featuring Luca. Additionally, three repeat episodes of BBC Two's Inside the Factory have been removed from the schedule.

Luca, disheartened by the cancellation of the show, informed his 1.2 million Instagram followers about his feelings. He posted a black and white photo of himself in the celebrity MasterChef kitchen with the indicative caption: "Christmas is cancelled. Gutted our Christmas special has been put on hold but hope to be on your screens again soon.", reports the Mirror.

The news left fans expressing dismay, with one commenting, "No we need you on the tv luca."

while another shared, "Very disappointed. You and Amy are such a joy to watch together."

In response, a BBC spokesperson remarked: "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."