A new series of MasterChef, which was recorded before presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode were sacked, will still be shown on BBC One and iPlayer, the corporation has announced.

The BBC said it had taken the decision “after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants”.

In a statement, the corporation said: “MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.”

The BBC also said it had not yet taken a decision on the completed celebrity series and Christmas special, filmed with Torode and food critic Grace Dent.

Earlier this month, a report revealed more than 40 complaints against Wallace had been upheld, while a claim that Torode had used a severely offensive racist term was also substantiated.

BBC News understands the way the new series is edited will be considered in light of the findings, with the prominence of Wallace and Torode being re-examined.

It is thought there will be limitations on how much the pair can be edited out, but the focus is likely to be on the contestants.

In its statement, the BBC said: “This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it.

“In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.

“However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.”

Former contestants on the show previously told BBC News that being on MasterChef can be “life-changing” for them.

But some of the women who came forward with claims against Wallace have said they didn’t think it should be shown.

One former MasterChef worker suggested it would show “a real lack of respect” to people like her if the series was aired, while another warned it would “make a mockery” of the people who have spoken out.

The BBC concluded its statement by describing MasterChef as “a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual”.

“There are many talented, dedicated and hard-working people who make the show what it is. It will continue to flourish on the BBC and we look forward to it returning stronger than ever in the future.”