Gregg Wallace faces fresh allegations of inappropriate behaviour amid furore

Gregg Wallace, the well-known TV personality and former host of BBC’s MasterChef, is under scrutiny once again as fresh allegations of inappropriate behaviour surface. The recent accusations include claims of Wallace inappropriately touching women, with incidents reported of him touching a woman’s bottom and pressing his crotch against another woman during filming for different shows. Wallace’s representatives have not provided any comments on the new allegations, but his lawyers have previously denied any claims of engaging in sexually harassing behaviour. The BBC has stated that they take such issues seriously and have robust processes in place to address them, ensuring that any behaviour below their expected standards will not be tolerated.

Following these allegations, two hour-long MasterChef Christmas specials were removed from the BBC’s festive schedule as Wallace took a step back from hosting the show. Wallace issued an apology on Monday for his earlier remarks about the complaints he had received. The new allegations follow reports from BBC News detailing claims from multiple individuals across various shows spanning a 17-year period. As a result, Wallace decided to take a break from presenting MasterChef while historical misconduct complaints are being externally reviewed.

Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, emphasized the importance of the ongoing external investigation and reiterated their commitment to supporting both crew and contributors with clear protocols for reporting any issues. The BBC expressed support for the ongoing investigation and stressed the need for caution in drawing conclusions before the process is completed. Additionally, conversations between Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and BBC officials were held in light of the allegations against Wallace.

The decision to pull the Christmas specials and further review Wallace’s conduct underscores the seriousness with which such allegations are being handled in the entertainment industry. The focus on ensuring a safe and respectful working environment for all involved sets an important precedent for addressing misconduct in the media sector. As the investigation progresses, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the outcomes and any subsequent actions taken to uphold professional standards and accountability within the industry.