Gregg Wallace has expressed gratitude towards his supporters for standing by him amidst allegations of misconduct that recently surfaced. The 60-year-old TV personality has decided to step back from his role as host of MasterChef following claims of inappropriate behaviour, including sexual comments, made by 13 individuals across various shows over a period of 17 years.
Among those who have come forward with allegations is former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, who stated that Wallace made jokes of a sexual nature during her participation in Celebrity MasterChef back in 2011. Wallace, in an Instagram post, acknowledged the support he has received from fans, saying, “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.”
The BBC News report revealed further allegations against Wallace, including instances where he openly discussed his sex life, undressed in front of a female worker, and made inappropriate comments to a female colleague. In response to these claims, Wallace’s legal team vehemently denied any accusations of engaging in sexually harassing behaviour.
In light of the allegations, Wallace has committed to cooperating fully with an external review initiated by MasterChef’s production company, Banijay UK. The BBC released a statement explaining that while the complaints had not been directly raised with the show producers or Banijay UK, they felt it necessary to conduct a thorough investigation to address the situation.
Despite the ongoing review, recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Gregg Wallace are scheduled to air as planned. Wallace, known for his long-standing presence on MasterChef alongside John Torode, has been a prominent figure in the culinary world for many years, also featuring in various other TV programmes.
Wallace’s career achievements include being awarded an MBE for his contributions to food and charity, as well as participating in shows like Strictly Come Dancing. The TV personality has a son, Sid, with his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini, and two children, Tom and Libby, from a previous relationship.
The situation surrounding Gregg Wallace serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing allegations of misconduct in the workplace and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all individuals involved. The outcome of the external review will shed more light on the allegations and determine the appropriate course of action moving forward.
In summary, Gregg Wallace’s decision to step back from his hosting role on MasterChef amidst allegations of misconduct has prompted a thorough external review to address the claims. The ongoing situation underscores the significance of upholding professional standards and fostering a culture of respect and accountability in the workplace.