MasterChef has lost hundreds of thousands of viewers following the Gregg Wallace controversy. Just under two million people watched the first episode of the new series, featuring the now-sacked co-presenters Wallace and John Torode.

BBC said decision to air new series in wake of Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s sacking had ‘not been an easy’ one

BBC One's MasterChef lost nearly one million viewers during its return last night, marking the final series with hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode following their recent sacking