John Torode, one of the hosts of the popular TV show MasterChef, has revealed that he and his co-host Gregg Wallace are not friends off-screen. Despite working together on the show for nearly 20 years, Torode admitted to actively avoiding Wallace once the cameras stop rolling. The duo, known for their dynamic on-screen chemistry, apparently prefer to keep their distance even when filming in exotic locations.
Torode’s comments, made in a 2017 interview, shed light on the nature of their relationship. He described Wallace as being “so OCD” and mentioned that they had never been to each other’s houses. Torode, who hails from Melbourne, Australia, shared insights into Wallace’s meticulous nature, suggesting that visiting each other’s homes would be out of the question due to Wallace’s need for control.
The revelation comes amidst recent developments where Wallace, aged 60, has stepped down from hosting MasterChef temporarily due to historical allegations of misconduct dating back to 2005. Thirteen individuals, including former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, have lodged complaints against Wallace for stories and jokes of a “sexualised nature” shared on set. Wark expressed her discomfort with the inappropriate behaviour she witnessed during the show.
The BBC, which airs MasterChef, has initiated investigations into the allegations, with Wallace’s lawyers vehemently denying any claims of sexually harassing conduct. Banijay UK, the production company behind the show, confirmed that Wallace will be taking a break from his hosting duties amidst the ongoing inquiry.
While Torode has not publicly commented on the allegations against his colleague, he recently shared a post on social media about his routine workout session, avoiding the contentious issue. The unfolding events highlight the complexities behind the scenes of a longstanding TV partnership and raise questions about workplace conduct and accountability in the entertainment industry.
In summary, the revelations surrounding John Torode and Gregg Wallace’s off-screen relationship, coupled with the allegations of misconduct against Wallace, have cast a shadow on the long-running success of MasterChef. The dynamics between hosts behind the scenes shed light on the complexities of maintaining professional relationships in the spotlight, while the ongoing investigations underscore the importance of upholding standards of behaviour in the workplace.