MasterChef fans pointed out a glaring editing blunder in the latest episode which hit screens on Wednesday evening.
The BBC show confirmed recently that one contestant, Sarah Shafi, had been edited out of all scenes after being among those to call for the show's axe following the Gregg Wallace and John Torode controversies.
The 57-year-old leadership development specialist from Leeds told production company Banijay she objected to airing the show following misconduct findings against both hosts.
"I didn't say edit me out," Ms Shafi stated. "I said, 'Axe the show, don't air the show. I'm asking you not to air the show.'
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The probe into allegations against Gregg Wallace ended up upholding the complaint against Torode also | Getty"Prominent figures have been abusing their power. What message does that send out to women?"
Rather than cancelling the series, producers proposed removing the contestant from the episode in which she appeared.
She initially declined this offer, describing herself as "flabbergasted" by what Banijay presented as a "potential solution".
"I was flabbergasted, because in what way was that a solution – and a solution for whom?" she explained. "My point was not about me not being associated with it. My point was about the institutional enabling environment."
Both John Torode and Gregg Wallace have been axed from the BBC series
| BBCShe ultimately accepted removal from the show only after the BBC publicly confirmed its intention to broadcast the series, which began earlier this month.
Both Mr Torode and Mr Wallace have been axed from the series following multiple misconduct allegations against Mr Wallace, some of which were upheld following an investigation.
The probe also found Mr Torode had used racist language, which he vehemently denies having any recollection of.
During Wednesday's show, the fourth in the current series, viewers noticed a very obvious edit, suggesting Ms Shafi had appeared in the instalment.
The strange moment saw Mr Torode announcing which of the aspiring chefs would be returning for the final round, with the camera cropping to people's faces rather than the show's usual format of using wider shots.
After contestant Marcella was chosen, Mr Torode then announced Hazel had also been successful.
The editing mishap came when Hazel gave an appreciative nod to both her left and right, despite nobody appearing to be stood to the left of her in the edit.
Fans quickly took to social media to discuss the bizarre moment, with one writing: "Kudos to the editors of this episode. You would hardly have known that one contestant had been edited out."
MasterChef judge John Torode has now been axed from the BBC show | BBC"Have they managed to completely edit out Sarah Shafi? How was it possible? #masterchef" another asked.
A third praised: "Seamless piece of editing on #MasterChef to remove the contestant who didn't want to appear."
"I’ve just witnessed a masterpiece of editing #MasterChef," another commented.
"How long before the phantom contestant is revealed? #masterchef" someone else quipped.
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A decision was made to air the series as normal despite the scandal
| BBC"Tonight’s #Masterchef is a masterclass in editing! Kudos to the team. #MasterchefUK @MasterChefUK @scottygb," added another.
Commenting on the decision to air the series despite the judges' axe, a spokesperson for Banijay previously said: "As we said when we announced the show would be aired, this was not an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone would agree with it."