Gregg Wallace: MasterChef Exit Confirmed – BBC & Irish Times
Gregg Wallace Sacked by BBC Following New Allegations of Misconduct
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Gregg Wallace has been sacked by the BBC following a fresh wave of allegations detailing inappropriate behavior, according to BBC News. The presenter stepped down from hosting the BBC cooking competition MasterChef last year after initial complaints surfaced. these new claims,reported by the BBC,involve allegations from 50 individuals,including accusations of groping and indecent exposure.
new Allegations Detail Pattern of inappropriate Behaviour
The latest allegations paint a disturbing picture of wallace’s conduct. BBC News reports that one MasterChef worker alleges Wallace groped her, while another claims he pulled his trousers down in front of her. A university student has accused him of pinching her bottom under the guise of dancing in a nightclub, and a junior worker alleges he exposed himself by dropping his trousers while not wearing underwear.
These accusations follow earlier complaints that prompted Wallace to step back from his hosting duties. The claims span a period of time and suggest a pattern of behaviour.
Wallace Claims He Was “Cleared” of Serious Accusations
Prior to the report’s findings becoming public, Wallace claimed he had been cleared of the “most serious and sensational accusations” against him. In a statement posted on his Instagram account, he vehemently defended himself, stating: “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established. The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.”
However, BBC News reports it has not seen the final Banijay report, but understands Wallace has been sacked.
Investigation and Response from Involved Parties
Production firm Banijay commissioned an external investigation, conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin, into the allegations against Wallace. Banijay previously stated Wallace was “committed to fully co-operating” with the review. Wallace’s lawyers have previously strongly denied “he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
A BBC spokesperson confirmed the investigation, stating: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.” Banijay UK declined to comment on Wallace’s public statements.
Impact on MasterChef and Industry Standards
The allegations against Wallace have already impacted the BBC’s programming. While the most recent series of MasterChef: The Professionals continued to air last year, two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials were pulled from the schedule in December 2024.
The case has also prompted calls for stricter standards within the creative industry. UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy stated she would look to impose new standards in the wake of the allegations.
From Greengrocer to TV Star
Gregg Wallace rose to prominence after beginning his career as a greengrocer. He became a familiar face on British television, fronting popular BBC shows including Inside The Factory, Supermarket Secrets, MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef, and MasterChef: The Professionals. The allegations now threaten to overshadow his decades-long career.