Gregg Wallace is stepping down from MasterChef while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated.
The show’s production company Banijay UK said a series complaints were made to the BBC this week by “individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with Gregg Wallace on one of our shows”.
It comes after BBC News sent a letter to Wallace’s representatives earlier this week setting out allegations of inappropriate sexual comments by 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
The company said the 60-year-old, who has been a co-presenter and judge of the popular cooking show since 2005, was “committed to fully cooperating throughout the process”.
Wallace’s lawyers also said it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature (via BBC News).
John Torode and Gregg Wallace CREDIT: BBC/Shine TV
Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011, alleged that Wallace told “sexualised” jokes during filming.
Other allegations include Wallace talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to “give her a fashion show”, and telling a junior female colleague he wasn’t wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans.
Banijay UK said in a statement to BBC News: “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.”
The statement added: “If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakupbanijayuk.com in confidence.”
The PA news agency has also reported that recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Wallace will transmit as planned, with the next episode due to air tonight (November 28).
Wallace has presented MasterChef alongside John Torode since 2005, as well as its spin-offs Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.
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