Why has Gregg Wallace stepped down from MasterChef?
GREGG Wallace has been forced to step back his MasterChef presenting duties amid the BBC’s misconduct probe.
Here we take a look at the mounting allegations levelled against him and the people who have come forward so far.
Why has Gregg Wallace has stepped down from MasterChef?
Gregg Wallace announced his decision to step down from his role as co-host of MasterChef following multiple allegations of misconduct that have emerged from various individuals over the past 17 years.
In a statement he released via Instagram on December 1, 2024, Gregg said: “I’ve been doing MasterChef for 20 years — amateur, professional and Celebrity MasterChef — and I think in that time I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life.
“And apparently now, I’m reading in the paper, there’s been 13 complaints in that time.
“Now, in the newspaper I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn’t right.
“In over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants on MasterChef, have made sexual remarks or sexual innuendo – can you imagine?”
Overview of allegations
- Inappropriate jokes and language: Gregg is accused of making “inappropriate sexual jokes”, using “sexualised language” during filming sessions and even “mimicking a sex act” in front of a colleague.
- Requests for contact information: Gregg allegedly asked for the phone numbers of female production staff, raising concerns about boundary violations.
- Undressing and physical proximity: Reports have surfaced that Gregg undressed in front of colleagues and stood too close to women, creating discomfort among staff members.
- Toxic work environment: A former contestant described a “toxic environment” on set, with reports of widespread “abuse” and offensive language from both the production team and crew members.
Specific incidents
- Kirsty Wark: A contestant on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011 reported that Gregg used “sexualised language” during filming.
- Emma Kennedy: The 2012 Celebrity MasterChef winner claimed to have witnessed Gregg touch a young woman’s bottom, causing discomfort.
- Kirstie Allsopp: Alleged that Gregg made an inappropriate comment about his sex life, which embarrassed her.
- Georgia Harding: A producer on MasterChef and Eat Well For Less claimed that Gregg undressed in front of colleagues and made inappropriate sexual jokes.
- Impossible Celebrities (2018): Two women reported that Gregg discussed his sex life openly, which they found inappropriate.
- Sir Rod Stewart: Accused Gregg of “humiliating” his wife, Penny Lancaster, during her participation in MasterChef.
- Dawn Elrick: A producer who stated that women complained about Gregg’s “lewd” and “graphic” language.
Statement from MasterChef’s production company
In light of these complaints, Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, has launched an external investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin to ensure an impartial review of the allegations.
On November 28, 2024, Banijay said in lengthy statement: “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.”
It went on to say Gregg is “committed to fully co-operating throughout the process”.
The statement continued: “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.”
BBC’s response
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.”