BBC MasterChef fans 'uncomfortable' as 'inappropriate' outfit sparks complaints

BBC MasterChef viewers were left baffled by one contestant's wardrobe choice - with some branding it "unhygienic" and "inappropriate" for the kitchen. Francesca, a 26-year-old estate agent, stepped into the studio wearing an off-the-shoulder black top that cut across under her armpit. Fans quickly took to X to vent. One wrote: "Woman in the Masterchef kitchen with a one-armed top on. Weird choice and the exposed skin/armpit just looks unhygienic in this context. I'm uncomfortably distracted. #MasterChef."

Another added: "Francesca needs to go. Inappropriate top for the kitchen, and she's an estate agent." Five fresh faces entered the MasterChef kitchen for Heat 9, all vying for a coveted white apron fromjudges Gregg Wallace and John Torode. Among them was estate agent Francesca, competing alongside humanitarian aid worker Fareeda, NHS nurse Keith, professional bassoonist Paddy and semi-permanent make-up artist Kayleigh.

The chefs were tasked with taking an ordinary ingredient and making it into "something extraordinary". Sadly, for Francesca, her outfit nor her food managed to win over the judges as she was booted off without an apron.

Viewers also pointed out that this isn't the first time MasterChef has faced backlash over questionable kitchen attire.

In a recent episode, fans were introduced to Gabi, a 30-year-old from London, who set out to make a mushroom and ricotta-filled tortelli dish with a mushroom consommé and mushroom tuile.

But as the cameras followed her progress, it wasn't the food that grabbed attention - it was her sleeves.

One disgusted fan said: "Good grief, get rid of those flappy sleeves. Unhygienic." Another furious viewer penned: "Why does hygiene get thrown out of the window? That woman's sleeves in the pasta."

A third fan questioned: "Why are you wearing baggy long sleeves while cooking??" Which prompted one viewer to respond: "Totally agree, thought the same."

BBC's long-running cooking competition is facing its biggest shake-up yet after returning to screens last month with now-disgraced presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode.

The pair, who fronted the series for years, have since been fired by the broadcaster - leaving the future of the format in doubt and fans questioning who will replace them.

Series 24 was filmed before Wallace and Torode were axed, and the BBC said airing it was "the right thing to do" out of respect for the chefs who took part. But the next series is expected to look very different.

Psychic Inbaal Honigman has claimed a "bit of an overhaul" is on the way, with new permanent presenters and a rotating line-up of guest hosts. Speaking to the Daily Express, she added: "The Tarot brings up one really huge personality to present the show."

Grace Dent has already been confirmed as Wallace's replacement on Celebrity MasterChef, but it remains unclear if she will also front the amateur version.