Gregg Wallace latest: Masterchef host issues statement amid alleged misconduct claims
Sir Rod Stewart brands presenter ‘tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully’
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Your support makes all the difference.BBC Masterchef host Gregg Wallace has thanked fans for “showing support” after he quit presenting the show following allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments over multiple years.
Mr Wallace stepped down from the BBC programme on Thursday amid allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people who worked with him on shows over 17 years.
Among those alleging misconduct is former BBC Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, who claimed Mr Wallace told “sexualised” jokes during filming of a Celebrity Masterchef episode in 2011.
Addressing the allegations in a social media video, Mr Wallace said: “I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support. That’s good of you, thank you very much.”
The 60-year-old allegedly also talked openly about his sex life and once told a junior female colleague he wasn’t wearing any underwear under his jeans, according to the BBC News investigation.
The Independent has contacted Mr Wallace’s representatives for comment. A BBC spokesperson said “any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated”.
What allegations is Wallace facing?
Mr Wallace has stepped down from Masterchef amid allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
Among those alleging misconduct is former BBC Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, who claimed Mr Wallace told “sexualised” jokes during filming of a Celebrity Masterchef episode in 2011.
“There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people and it wasn’t as if anyone engaged with this,” she said.
Mr Wallace allegedly also talked openly about his sex life and once told a junior female colleague he wasn’t wearing any underwear under his jeans, according to the BBC News investigation.
The Independent has contacted Mr Wallace’s representatives for comment. A BBC spokesperson said “any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated”.
Gregg Wallace thanks public for support in statement
Mr Wallace has posted on Instagram thanking people for “showing their support” after he stepped away from presenting BBC MasterChef following allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments.
“I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support,”
Mr Wallace said in the video, posted on his account.“That’s good of you, thank you very much,” he added.
The 60-year-old faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News which said it sent a letter to the TV star’s representatives earlier this week.
From troubled childhood to troubling reputation, this TV stalwart is facing self-destruction
The greengrocer-turned-presenter is stepping back from ‘MasterChef’ while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated.
The Independent’s chief TV critic Nick Hilton looks back on his career as an unlikely TV star, which followed a tough start in life.
Gregg Wallace: From troubled childhood to troubling reputation
The greengrocer-turned-presenter is stepping back from ‘MasterChef’ while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated. Nick Hilton looks back on his career as an unlikely TV star, which followed a tough start in life
Wallace ‘fully cooperating’ with production company review
Gregg Wallace is “committed to fully co-operating” with an external review by MasterChef’s production company, Banijay UK.
A statement by the company said: “This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.
“Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.
“While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process.
“Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.
“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”
Watch: Gregg Wallace And Penny Lancaster’s interaction resurfaces
Pictured: Kirsty Wark with Gregg Wallace in 2011
Former BBC Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark has claimed Mr Wallace told “sexualised” jokes during filming of a Celebrity Masterchef episode in 2011 - which is pictured below.
“There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people and it wasn’t as if anyone engaged with this,” she said.
“It was completely one-way traffic. But I think people were uncomfortable and something that I really did not expect to happen.”
Poor behaviour ‘will not be tolerated’, BBC says
A BBC spokesman said: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.
“We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.
“Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”
Masterchef to air tonight despite Wallace stepping down
Recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Mr Wallace will transmit as planned, with the next episode due to air at 8pm tonight, it is understood.
The 60-year-old stepped down from the BBC show amid allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
Among those alleging misconduct is former BBC Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, who claimed Mr Wallace told “sexualised” jokes during filming of a Celebrity Masterchef episode in 2011.
Who is celebrity chef Gregg Wallace?
Mr Wallace, 60, is best known for co-presenting MasterChef alongside John Torode since 2005, as well as its spin-offs Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.
He was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has also featured on Eat Well For Less, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest, and Supermarket Secrets.
He was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022 for his services to food and charity. Mr Wallace took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and was partnered with Aliona Vilani.
He has two children, Tom and Libby, from a former relationship. He married Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2016 and the couple have a son called Sid.
In focus: From troubled childhood to troubling reputation, this TV stalwart is facing self-destruction
The greengrocer-turned-presenter is stepping back from ‘MasterChef’ while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated.
The Independent’s chief TV critic Nick Hilton looks back on his career as an unlikely TV star, which followed a tough start in life.
Gregg Wallace: From troubled childhood to troubling reputation
The greengrocer-turned-presenter is stepping back from ‘MasterChef’ while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated. Nick Hilton looks back on his career as an unlikely TV star, which followed a tough start in life