Television presenter Gregg Wallace has announced his decision to step down as the host of the U.K. version of “MasterChef” on BBC while allegations of historical misconduct are being investigated. Wallace, who has been a co-host and judge on the popular cooking show since 2005, is fully committed to cooperating throughout the investigation, according to the show’s production company Banijay UK.
Having appeared on various BBC shows such as “Saturday Kitchen,” “Eat Well for Less,” “Supermarket Secrets,” “Celebrity MasterChef,” and “MasterChef: The Professionals,” Wallace has been a familiar face on television screens for many years. He even participated in the dance competition “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2014. Last year, he was honored with an MBE for his services to food and charity.
The allegations against Wallace involve inappropriate sexual comments made by 13 individuals who worked with him across multiple shows from 2005 to 2022. Wallace’s legal team has denied any claims of engaging in sexually harassing behavior. Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, a former contestant on “Celebrity MasterChef,” alleged that Wallace made sexualized jokes during filming, which she felt were inappropriate.
Additional allegations reported by BBC News include Wallace discussing his sex life openly, removing his shirt in front of a female colleague, and making inappropriate comments to a junior female staff member. While the BBC had previously warned Wallace after a complaint was raised in 2018, further incidents have come to light.
In response to the complaints, Banijay UK has initiated an external review to investigate the historical allegations thoroughly. During this process, Wallace will step away from his role on “MasterChef” and cooperate fully with the investigation. The production company emphasized its commitment to the well-being of its staff and maintaining a safe working environment on set.
The BBC has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behavior and stated that any concerns raised will be addressed promptly. They will continue to support external production companies in addressing complaints and upholding standards of behavior. As the investigation unfolds, both Wallace and the production team are focused on ensuring a fair and impartial review of the allegations.
