The BBC will still air both Masterchef festive specials this Christmas - despite the announcement that Gregg Wallace will be stepping down from the show.

The TV star has stepped away from MasterChef after 13 people including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark accused him of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming.

However both Christmas episodes that were planned to air next month are still on the festive schedule including a Celebrity Cook Off starring The Wanted singer Max George, Emmerdale actress Amy Walsh, comedian Shazia Mirza and Love Island star Luca Bish. 

The second special is a Strictly Festive Extravaganza featuring professionals from the show including Amy Dowden and Kai Widdrington.

Gorka Marquez and Nancy Xu will also don their aprons as they swap the dancefloor for the kitchen. 

The BBC have yet to confirm whether Gregg will still be in the final edit of the show or if his shots will be whittled down by clever editing.

An insider told The Sun: 'Removing these two shows from the festive schedules would have been a nightmare for the corporation, particularly as they're believed to be scheduled particularly close to Christmas Day.

'Still, many viewers will be surprised to still see him on our screens given the news that he's stepped down as host.

'His every word and action are likely to be scrutinised on the show in light of some of the allegations that have been made and its bound to be uncomfortable viewing for Beeb bosses.'

MailOnline have contacted the BBC for comment and they confirmed the episodes will air as planned. 

Gregg's decision to step down comes after an investigation was launched into historical allegations of misconduct including alleged inappropriate sexual comments. 

While Gregg, 60, is yet to comment, the production company Banijay, who are behind the show, released a statement on Thursday.

They said: 'This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.

'Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. 

'While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process.

'Banijay UK's duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.

'Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.'

The statement added: 'If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.'

The BBC has said it takes any issues that are raised with it 'seriously'.

A BBC spokesperson said: 'We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.

'We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.

'Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.'