'Celebrity MasterChef' daytime scheduling defended by BBC

The BBC has defended its decision to air the current series of Celebrity MasterChef in a daytime slot.

The cooking programme made a low-key return last week, when it began airing from 2.15pm to 3pm each day, with ratings falling as low as 749k during the first week. Upset viewers complained that the show should be returned to primetime.

However, responding to complaints, the broadcaster said: "This series allows a greater examination of the celebs' cooking skills as there will be more hours of Celebrity MasterChef than ever before.

"The Friday and Saturday evening programmes will ensure that viewers won't miss out on the main event as they pick up with the three celebs facing their last terrifying challenges and battling for their place in the semi-final."

The BBC continued: "While our audience may be more familiar with being shown in the evening, this ensures that both those who consume our output during the day and in the evening can enjoy this series of Celebrity MasterChef.

"This format means viewers will get even more Celebrity MasterChef than in previous years and more of our audience can follow the competition. With 90 minutes of catchup in the peak schedule and availability on the BBC iPlayer we hope everyone can enjoy the series."

Celebrity MasterChef continues weekdays at 2.15pm on BBC One.

> 6.7m peak for 'Celebrity MasterChef'