Gregg Wallace thanks followers for ‘showing support’ amid misconduct complaints

Gregg Wallace, the well-known host of MasterChef, has expressed gratitude to his followers for their support amidst allegations of misconduct. The 60-year-old presenter has decided to step back from his role on the popular cooking show following claims of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 individuals spanning a 17-year period across various television programmes.

Among the complainants is former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, who disclosed that Wallace made jokes of a “sexualised nature” during her time on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011. Wallace took to Instagram to acknowledge the outpouring of support from his fans, stating, “I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support. It’s good of you, thank you very much.”

BBC News revealed additional allegations against Wallace, including incidents where he reportedly spoke openly about his sex life, exposed himself in front of a female colleague, and made inappropriate comments. Wallace’s legal team has refuted these claims, asserting that he does not engage in sexually harassing behaviour.

In response to the allegations, the BBC has initiated an external review led by MasterChef’s production company to investigate the historical misconduct allegations thoroughly. While the review is ongoing, Wallace has agreed to step away from his MasterChef role and cooperate fully with the process.

Wallace has been a fixture on MasterChef since 2005, co-hosting the show with John Torode and featuring in spin-offs like Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals. Despite the current situation, recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals with Wallace are set to air as scheduled.

Away from his television career, Wallace was recognised with an MBE in 2022 for his contributions to food and charity. He has participated in various programmes, including Saturday Kitchen, Eat Well For Less, and Strictly Come Dancing. Wallace is a father of two children from a previous relationship and has a son with his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini.

In conclusion, the allegations against Gregg Wallace have sparked a wave of reactions and calls for accountability in the industry. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and creating a safe working environment for all individuals involved in television productions. It remains to be seen how the external review will unfold and what implications it may have for Wallace’s future in the television industry.