UNDERFIRE MasterChef has lost the publicity guard dog who has protected the show for two decades.

Respected publicists Plank PR have told the BBC they are stepping down following 18 hellish months for the long-running cooking show.

John Torode and Gregg Wallace standing in the MasterChef kitchen.
Plank PR has quit representing Masterchef following the scandals around former hosts John Torode (L) and Gregg WallaceCredit: BBC/Shine TV
 

Gregg Wallace from MasterChef.
Gregg was fired over inappropriate sexual behaviourCredit: BBC
 

John Torode on MasterChef series 21.
While John was sent packing over the alleged use of a racist termCredit: BBC
Host Gregg Wallace was axed in July over allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour, whilst John Torode followed after claims of using a racist term.

The agency who promote Gladiators, The Wheel and many more for the BBC, Multitude, will step in.

In an email to contestants, Plank PR director Lou Plank said: “After 20 years we made the decision last summer to step down from doing MasterChef publicity.

“As you know, we love the brand and being part of the MasterChef family has been something that the whole team at Plank PR are hugely proud of. To work alongside you all to help realise your dreams has been nothing short of a total privilege.”

The firm end their six-month notice period when the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals ends in March.

Grace Dent and Anna Haugh replace Wallace and Torode this year and have wrapped filming on the next series.

Plank PR has been across MasterChef from its first home on BBC Two to primetime BBC One, through the launch of Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.

They continue to look after The Traitors, Celebrity Traitors, Race Across the World and The Repair Shop.

They’re also at the helm for The Claudia Winkleman Show, all Mary Berry’s series and many more.

The PR change comes just days after Gregg dropped his £10,000 case against the BBC for “distress and harassment” caused by his sacking.

He had sought damages of up to £10,000 from the BBC and and BBC Studios for “distress, harassment and loss of amenity”, court documents showed.

But the corporation this week confirmed Wallace discontinued the claim ahead of a planned court hearing earlier this month.

A spokesperson added: “Shortly in advance of a hearing, due February 16, Mr Wallace discontinued his claim.

“He is not receiving any payment in costs or damages from either BBC or BBC Studios.”

Grace Dent and Anna Haugh announced as MasterChef judges.
Award-winning restaurant critic and journalist Grace Dent, and Chef Patron of Myrtle Restaurant and TV presenter Anna Haugh, announced as MasterChef judges for upcoming seriesCredit: Banijay UK
 

The MasterChef logo, a white letter "m" within a concentric circle design, against a brick wall.
Plank PR represents a number of BBC showsCredit: BBC/Shine TV