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Gregg Wallace stepping away from MasterChef amid BBC misconduct allegations

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2 days ago

November 28, 2024

Gregg Wallace stepping away from MasterChef amid BBC misconduct allegations

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Gregg Wallace is to step away from presenting BBC cooking present MasterChef whereas complaints made by people about historic allegations of misconduct are probed.

Wallace, 60, has hosted the BBC cooking present alongside John Torode since 2005 and has since fronted quite a few different programmes, together with Contained in the Manufacturing facility, Large Weekends Away and Grocery store Secrets and techniques.

Among the many BBC Information complainants is former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, who alleged he instructed jokes of a “sexualised nature” when she was competing on Superstar MasterChef in 2011.

Manufacturing firm Banijay UK stated the complaints had been made to the BBC this week, who at the moment are taking the claims “very severely” and utilizing “sturdy processes” to navigate the allegations made in opposition to the presenter.

A BBC spokesperson stated: “We take any points which can be raised with us severely and we have now sturdy processes in place to take care of them.

“We’re at all times clear that any behaviour which falls under the requirements anticipated by the BBC won’t be tolerated.

“The place a person is contracted immediately by an exterior manufacturing firm we share any complaints or considerations with that firm and we are going to at all times assist them when addressing them.”

Recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals that includes Wallace shall be broadcast as deliberate.

Greg Wallace on ‘MasterChef’ (BBC/Shine TV)

Banijay UK stated Wallace is “dedicated to totally co-operating all through the method” of their investigation.

“While these are historic allegations, incidences delivered to our consideration the place these expectations are usually not met, are completely investigated and addressed appropriately,” they added.

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BBC Information despatched a letter to Wallace’s representatives on Tuesday (26 November) detailing allegations of inappropriate sexual feedback by 13 individuals who labored with him throughout a variety of exhibits over a 17-year interval.

Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who was a Superstar MasterChef contestant in 2011, instructed the BBC Wallace instructed “sexualised” jokes throughout filming.

Wallace’s legal professionals have stated it’s “fully false” Wallace engages in behavious of a sexually harassing nature, the outlet reported.

Presenter Kirsty Wark has claimed Wallace made inappropriate comments while she was a ‘Celebrity Masterchef’ contestant — Presenter Kirsty Wark has claimed Wallace made inappropriate feedback whereas she was a ‘Superstar Masterchef’ contestant (BBC through Getty Photos)

In October, Wallace hit again at experiences he made sexually inappropriate feedback to a feminine colleague on the BBC in 2018.

Wallace was accused of bragging about his intercourse life with spouse Anna Wallace, and taking his high off in entrance of the worker, in line with The Solar.

The TV character vehemently denied the accusations in a video he shared to Instagram, saying the allegations had been investigated by the BBC six years in the past.

Wallace and John Torode on ‘MasterChef’ (BBC/Shine TV)

“My feedback had been discovered to be not sexual,” he stated. “I repeat not sexual. Thanks.”

Wallace, who says he’s “head over heels in love” along with his spouse Anna, 37, stated it was his precedence to make sure that it was clear that he was not “flirting” with anyone who is just not his spouse.

“One thing else that I really feel very strongly about – robust sufficient to be on [Instagram] – no one six years in the past or since has accused me of flirting with anyone or hitting on anyone,” he added.

Gregg and Anna Wallace with their son Sid (PA)

“And that’s essential to me and I say this for my spouse Anna, who I’ve been true to and head over heels in love with for the reason that day I met her. I don’t need anyone to misconceive this and make it appear to be I used to be flirting with any individual. No person accused me of that and I by no means have.”

Final yr the presenter was compelled to give up Contained in the Manufacturing facility over “inappropriate” feedback allegedly made to feminine workers.

Wallace give up his position fronting the BBC2 collection in March 2023 after serving as presenter for seven seasons, stating that he needed to spend extra time along with his three-year-old son.

Wallace on ‘Inside the Factory’ — Wallace on ‘Contained in the Manufacturing facility’ (BBC)

The Instances, nevertheless, reported that an incident at a Nestlé manufacturing unit in York at the beginning of the yr additionally contributed to his resolution to give up.

Throughout the go to in query, Wallace allegedly made feedback to workers that had been thought-about inappropriate. The publication understands that the remarks had been associated to the load of feminine workers members and weren’t sexual.

In response to the allegations, a consultant for Wallace instructed The Impartial on the time: “We check with you the unique assertion which makes clear his causes for not persevering with filming the collection.”