Gregg Wallace to ‘step away’ from MasterChef following misconduct allegations

Gregg Wallace has “stepped away” from hosting MasterChef following historical allegations of misconduct.

 

The TV personality has fronted MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals since 2005 as well as appearing on shows such as Saturday Kitchen and Inside the Factory.

 

Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, said Wallace will step down while the allegations are investigated and added that he is “fully co-operating”.

 

A spokesperson for the company said: “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.

 

“While 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.

 

“While these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”

 

A BBC spokesperson 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.”

 

MasterChef: The Professionals, which Wallace presented with chefs Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti, is currently being screened on the BBC.

 

The BBC said that pre-recorded episodes starring Wallace will continue to air.

 

Photo: BBC/Shine TV