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Gregg Wallace faces another blow as ‘entire final MasterChef series could be scrapped’ as sacked BBC presenter faces 50 new misconduct claims

BBG News

It’s possible that Gregg Wallace might encounter another setback, as rumors suggest that the entire final season of MasterChef may not proceed as planned.

The host of Masterchef, aged 60, was let go by the BBC after a nine-month examination into misconduct claims, and now an additional 50 accusations of similar nature have surfaced against him.

This week, he publicly criticized his superiors in a strongly worded statement, maintaining that he was nonetheless terminated from his position, even though the gravest and most extraordinary allegations against him were proven unfounded.

Prior to the launch of the probe, Gregg had wrapped up shooting fresh episodes of MasterChef, but these episodes have not yet been aired.

According to a source, the decision about the series is being carefully considered by those in charge, taking into account various contributors.

Managers might consider canceling the entire project, which would also mean throwing away all the effort and aspirations put into creating the cooking show by the amateur chefs.

Another possibility is choosing to watch the series exclusively on iPlayer, meaning viewers would consciously opt for streaming it and accept that Gregg is part of it. Removing him from the series isn’t an available choice.

‘Either way it’s a major headache for the BBC, and would be a final crushing blow for Gregg.’

TopMob has contacted representatives for the BBC and Gregg Wallace for comment. 

50 additional accusations concerning a television host were brought to light by the BBC, with claims ranging from exposing himself to one team member during filming to inappropriately touching another individual.

Reports suggest that Gregg might be planning to bring the BBC or Masterchef’s manufacturing firm, Banijay, before a tribunal. He seems determined to confront his superiors publicly, as he was recently dismissed.

Apart from that, it’s said that Gregg has added Dan Morrison, known as a relentless attorney, to his team. This is the same legal professional who defended Nigel Farage during the NatWest/Coutts bank account controversy.

There’s a possibility that Gregg’s legal team may advocate for the disclosure of the report’s executive summary, which could potentially endanger high-ranking MasterChef officials and talent.

During the investigation into the allegations, it was found that Gregg’s behavior fell under two categories: using demeaning nicknames towards employees and being blunt with contestants. However, investigators noted that these actions were likely unintentional on his part.

According to reports, Gregg’s autism diagnosis was said to account for certain behaviors, and some of the claims made during the investigation have been confirmed as valid.

This could be rephrased as follows: He opened his dressing room door while wearing a sock covering him there, followed by a shout of “Hooray.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share my concerns over the potential implications of BBC’s cost-cutting measures. While it seems uncertain that Gregg might be offered any settlement or redundancy package, there’s a glimmer of hope that he could secure a substantial payout, possibly reaching six figures, should a tribunal rule in his favor.

On Tuesday, Gregg issued a statement preceding the upcoming publication of the investigation findings regarding the alleged misconduct, which is scheduled for later this week.

Wallace refutes the allegations and strongly criticized the company in a harsh social media message, stating that he was acquitted of ‘the gravest and sensational charges’.

However, new accusations have surfaced from individuals who claim they met him in various programs, most of whom assert that he made inappropriate sexual remarks towards them, as reported by BBC News.

11 out of the 50 accusations made against him involve claims of improper sexual conduct, including incidents of unwanted grabbing and touching.

One lady characterized Wallace’s actions as “disturbing and aggressive,” alleging that he lowered his pants in her presence within the confines of a changing room.

While another said she was left feeling ‘absolutely horrified’ when he groped her.

During a taping of BBC’s Saturday Kitchen in 2002, one individual alleged that Wallace slipped his hand beneath the table and onto her lower body area, followed by the question, “Is that to your liking?

A university student allegedly made an inappropriate gesture towards a woman at a nightclub, as she claims he slipped his hand under her skirt to pinch her behind while they were taking a photograph together.

At an industry event in 2014, one woman claims he inappropriately touched her beneath her skirt, whereas another junior employee alleges that in 2012, he exposed himself to her by lowering his pants while not wearing underwear.

Several men claim they witnessed Wallace making inappropriate sexual comments.

In 2022, a 19-year-old employee of MasterChef expressed that she voiced her worries about Wallace’s remarks regarding her physique to the BBC among other recent assertions she made.

In the year 2023, a retired police officer expressed his attempt to lodge a complaint regarding Wallace’s inappropriate use of sexual language.

According to the BBC, many of the women speaking out are young independent workers who felt they couldn’t voice their concerns due to potential harm to their professional futures.

On Instagram, Wallace expressed that he chose to make his situation public before the Silkins report came out because “I can’t remain quiet any longer, watching as my reputation continues to be tarnished for the sake of others.

Previously, a man who used to sell fruits retired from MasterChef as investigations into accusations of past misbehavior by 13 women were being handled.

Wallace stated that the claims, even those made by public figures, which could not be substantiated, were determined to be without merit.

He said he had recognised ‘that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate’.

‘Wallace stated that he was employed by both the BBC and MasterChef in the role of the lovable produce vendor. He is a genuine individual, full of warmth, distinctive character traits, and imperfections.’

For more than two decades, I’ve been a loyal advocate for our brand, emphasizing its genuine character. In today’s sterilized environment, however, this very authenticity seems to be causing friction.

According to reports, the significant accusations made against Wallace by Penny Lancaster and Kirsty Wark have reportedly been dismissed.

‘But the BBC has made it clear there is no way back for him. He is devastated,’ they said.

Previously, a man who used to run a fruit shop and has recently been diagnosed with autism, claimed that the BBC failed to take any action in investigating his condition or safeguarding him from what he now perceives as an unsafe environment for more than two decades.

He firmly declared, “I won’t back down easily,” indicating that the detailed 200-page report would not see publication. Instead, the BBC plans to share a concise executive summary.

He expressed his worry about a brief account that omits individuals who faced severe accusations from the final record of events. He wondered aloud, “Why were they removed?” – a question I believe both he and the public share.

According to a source, The Sun reports that Wallace felt both angry and deeply saddened due to the BBC’s choice to terminate him.

The official publication of the report is scheduled for Thursday, however, Wallace’s legal team asserts that they’ve already had a glimpse of it.

According to a representative from BBC, Banijay UK requested their legal team, Lewis Silkin, to carry out an examination regarding accusations made against Gregg Wallace.

‘We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.’

In light of recent accusations, a representative for Gregg confirmed to the BBC that he is fully cooperating with the current investigation by Banijay UK. As previously declared, he denies any involvement in sexually harassing conduct.

Initially, Wallace appeared optimistic when faced with accusations. He responded by posting on Instagram, stating that many of these claims primarily originated from middle-aged women belonging to a particular social class.

He subsequently wondered aloud: ‘Could you estimate the number of MasterChef contestants who’ve made suggestive comments or hints of a sexual nature?’

Following that incident, various notable figures such as television host Ulrika Jonsson and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have publicly criticized his comments through their respective statements.

The former greengrocer later apologised for the controversial comments which caused a PR storm.

The presenter, facing criticism, explained about his comment on middle-class women: “At the time I made the post, I was not mentally well. I’ve been dealing with an enormous amount of stress and a great deal of emotional turmoil.

He shared in an April interview with The Mail that he stopped hanging out with young people after facing disciplinary action from the BBC in 2018 due to his fear they would accuse him.)

He received punishment due to unsuitable conduct during the production of a game show, as he complimented a young participant on her final day of shooting, saying she was smart, beautiful, and destined for success.

In a recent interview, I shared my experiences and highlighted a significant transformation in my actions starting from the year 2018. This shift, undeniably, led to the absence of any complaints during the extensive investigation that followed post-2018. The change was profound and it has kept me out of trouble ever since.

Instead, I chose to adopt a solitary lifestyle. I shied away from any social engagements at work, declined invitations to go to the pub with colleagues, and often opted to dine alone when we were on location, preferring to remain in my hotel room while others went out for dinner.

I prefer solitude; I ceased engaging in casual chats with less familiar young individuals.

Wallace remembered: “Some great younger colleagues at work often invited me out for drinks, asking, ‘Gregg, are you joining us?’

I respectfully decline your invitation. Your energy makes me uncomfortable, as the sensitivities of a sixty-year-old man differ significantly from those of young adults such as yourselves. The culture of complaints that seems to prevail among the current generation was not as prevalent in my day.

I worry that if we go out together, I express my opinions on politics or society while having drinks, you might criticize me. My apprehension was quite intense.

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2025-07-10 03:05

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