Gregg Wallace, the prominent presenter of MasterChef, is stepping away from his role amidst an investigation into allegations of historical misconduct involving inappropriate behavior.
This decision follows BBC News’s communication to Wallace’s representatives, outlining claims of sexualized comments made by the presenter over a 17-year period. These allegations come from 13 individuals who worked alongside Wallace across various shows. The show’s production company, Banijay UK, announced the investigation and confirmed Wallace’s cooperation with the inquiry.
Among those speaking out is Kirsty Wark, a respected broadcaster and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant from 2011, who shared her experience of Wallace telling “sexualized” jokes during early-morning filming sessions.
Wark, known for hosting BBC Newsnight, described these comments as entirely inappropriate for the professional setting, emphasizing her belief that they were “really, really in the wrong place.” Wallace’s legal team has categorically denied any behavior of a sexually harassing nature, describing the allegations as false.
Further allegations reported to BBC News include Wallace openly discussing his sex life, making inappropriate remarks to female colleagues, and engaging in unprofessional behavior on set. Incidents cited include him removing his shirt in front of a female worker under the guise of a “fashion show” and commenting to a junior colleague about not wearing underwear.
Other accounts describe him showing topless photos of himself to a former MasterChef worker and requesting massages. Additionally, a crew member from Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends alleged Wallace displayed undue fascination with her personal relationships, including probing questions about her same-sex dating experiences.
It has also emerged that Wallace was formally warned by the BBC in 2018 after a complaint about his conduct on Impossible Celebrities. A Human Resources investigation at the time concluded that “many aspects of [Wallace’s] behavior were both unacceptable and unprofessional.”
In a follow-up letter, a BBC executive documented a 90-minute meeting with Wallace, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter and assuring staff of measures to prevent future incidents. Despite these warnings, further allegations spanning five shows between 2005 and 2022 have now come to light.
BBC News, which began investigating the claims in the summer, has confirmed its editorial independence from the wider BBC organization. Banijay UK has since launched an external review to thoroughly and impartially address the allegations.
The production company stressed that its duty of care to staff remains a priority, and it has protocols in place to address misconduct, including avenues for anonymous reporting. While these allegations are historical, Banijay stated its commitment to investigating any reported breaches of conduct and addressing them appropriately.
Wallace, 60, expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation while stepping aside from his presenting duties on MasterChef. Episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals that were recorded prior to the investigation will air as scheduled, with the next episode set for Thursday evening. Banijay has also encouraged anyone with additional concerns to come forward as part of the ongoing review process.
In a statement, the BBC reiterated its commitment to addressing any issues raised. A spokesperson emphasized the organization’s intolerance for behavior that falls below its expected standards. The BBC also outlined its practice of sharing complaints with external production companies and supporting them in resolving such matters. The broadcaster assured the public that robust processes are in place to manage these situations effectively.
Gregg Wallace has been a defining presence on MasterChef since 2005, co-hosting the show alongside John Torode. Over the years, he has been a prominent figure on television, leading spin-offs like Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals. Beyond the cooking competition, Wallace has fronted programs like Eat Well For Less, Inside The Factory, and Supermarket Secrets, showcasing his expertise and charisma in various formats.
Wallace’s television career began in 2002 as the original host of the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen. His work extended beyond food-focused programming to historical and cultural series, including Turn Back Time and Harvest. In 2014, he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, further cementing his status as a household name in British entertainment. His contributions to food and charity were recognized in 2022 when he was honored in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
The allegations and subsequent investigation represent a significant turning point in Wallace’s career, casting a shadow over his decades of success. As the inquiry unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring a thorough and impartial examination of the claims. For Banijay UK, the situation underscores the importance of maintaining a safe and professional environment for all employees and collaborators.
The developments around Gregg Wallace also prompt broader discussions about accountability in the media industry. High-profile cases such as this highlight the need for rigorous safeguards to prevent misconduct and address it promptly when it arises.
As Wallace’s future with MasterChef remains uncertain, the investigation will likely shape how the entertainment industry navigates such challenges in the years to come.
