Gregg Wallace: Scots presenter ‘can’t watch MasterChef’ after raising concerns with BBC 7 years ago

Scots Presenter Can No Longer Watch MasterChef Following Allegations Against Gregg Wallace

A Scots broadcaster, Aasmah Mir, has revealed that she can no longer watch MasterChef due to “inappropriate comments” made by host Gregg Wallace towards her on the show. Mir, 53, has added her voice to the increasing number of women who have spoken out against Wallace. This comes as Wallace has stepped away from hosting MasterChef while a review into complaints is underway. Banijay UK, the production company of the cooking programme, confirmed that the BBC had received complaints regarding “historical allegations of misconduct” involving Wallace. Despite denying any inappropriate behaviour towards females on various shows, Wallace faced allegations from Mir during her appearance on Celebrity MasterChef’s 12th series.

Mir, who was a presenter on BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live at the time of filming in March 2017, recounted an incident where Wallace made a sexist comment towards her in front of other contestants and the camera crew. The comment left her feeling uncomfortable to the extent that she can no longer bring herself to watch MasterChef. Mir expressed her disappointment with how Wallace’s behaviour was addressed, mentioning that she felt it was overlooked due to his perceived value to the BBC.

Despite reporting the incident to a Banijay executive back in 2017 and subsequent warnings issued to Wallace by BBC bosses and producers, Mir highlighted that the behaviour allegedly continued for several years before Wallace eventually stepped down from his hosting role earlier this week. Mir emphasized her decision to not watch the show anymore, expressing her discomfort with Wallace’s actions and the lack of accountability she perceived in the industry.

Wallace has faced previous warnings from BBC bosses in 2018 for his behaviour on the quiz show Impossible Celebrities. Other prominent figures, including presenter Kirsty Wark and musician Rod Stewart, have also spoken out about uncomfortable experiences with Wallace on the show. Despite denying the allegations and suggesting they stem from a specific demographic, Wallace continues to face scrutiny over his conduct.

The revelations by Mir and others shed light on the challenging environment many face in the entertainment industry. The courage to speak out against inappropriate behaviour is crucial in fostering a safe and respectful workplace for all individuals involved. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for accountability and transparency in addressing misconduct allegations.

In summary, Aasmah Mir’s account of her experience with Gregg Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef highlights the impact of inappropriate behaviour in the entertainment industry and the importance of speaking out against misconduct for a safer working environment for all.