BBC ‘MasterChef’ Host Gregg Wallace Steps Aside As Producers Launch Investigation Into Historical Misconduct Allegations
3 min read
Gregg Wallace. [Getty images]
Gregg Wallace, the long-time presenter of MasterChef, has stepped aside from his role while allegations of historical misconduct are being investigated. The decision comes after BBC News reported that 13 people, who worked with Wallace across multiple shows over a 17-year period, accused him of making inappropriate sexual comments. Wallace has strongly denied the allegations, with his lawyers stating that the claims are entirely false.
Kirsty Wark, the renowned BBC broadcaster and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant, was one of the individuals who spoke out. Wark alleged that during filming in 2011, Wallace told “sexualised” jokes in front of contestants and crew members, which she felt were completely inappropriate for the setting. She recalled that the jokes were made during early morning shoots, and she felt that they were “really, really in the wrong place.”
Other allegations suggest Wallace engaged in more inappropriate behaviour, including making crude comments about his sex life, taking off his shirt in front of a female colleague while claiming to give her a “fashion show,” and telling a junior female staff member he wasn’t wearing any underwear under his jeans. The accusations span multiple shows, from 2005 to 2022, and involve both crew and contestants.
In 2018, Wallace was reportedly warned by the BBC after a complaint was made about his conduct, but further incidents have since emerged. The BBC News investigation into Wallace began this summer, after concerns were raised. Wallace, 60, has stated that he is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation.
The production company behind MasterChef, Banijay UK, has launched an external review to investigate the claims. The company released a statement confirming that it is conducting a thorough and impartial review into the allegations, despite the complainants not having raised their concerns directly with Banijay. While the review is ongoing, Wallace will step down from his role on MasterChef. The company emphasized that its priority is the care and safety of its staff, and it takes any misconduct seriously. It also reiterated that all cast and crew are made aware of the expected standards of behaviour and have multiple ways to raise concerns, including anonymously.
Banijay UK expressed its commitment to addressing any issues that do not meet the company’s high standards, adding that the review would be comprehensive and impartial. The company also encouraged anyone else with concerns to come forward. The BBC, which co-produces MasterChef, also stated that it takes all issues raised seriously and has robust processes in place to handle complaints. A BBC spokesperson clarified that when an individual is contracted by an external production company, any complaints are shared with that company, and the BBC offers its full support in addressing the concerns.
Despite the ongoing investigation, recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals, which Wallace appears in, will continue to air as scheduled. The next episode is due to be broadcast on Thursday evening. Wallace has been a fixture on MasterChef since 2005, presenting the main show, as well as its spin-offs Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals, alongside fellow chef John Torode.
In addition to MasterChef, Wallace has been involved in several other television projects. He was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002, and has since appeared on shows such as Eat Well For Less, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest, and Supermarket Secrets. Wallace also participated in Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and was recognized in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022 for his services to food and charity.
The investigation into the allegations comes at a time when Wallace’s long career in television has made him a well-known public figure, particularly for his work in the food industry. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for his future in broadcasting. As the review continues, both the public and those involved in the production of MasterChef will be watching closely to see how the allegations are addressed and whether Wallace will return to his role in the future.
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