MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace’s axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down

MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down

As a seasoned observer of public figures and their lives, I find myself deeply moved by the recent events surrounding Gregg Wallace. It is not often that we see such a prominent figure facing allegations and responding with such grace, determination, and unwavering love for his family.


Instead of saying “John Torode failed to address his MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace’s exit from the show as she brushed off his announcement by posting a sweaty selfie,” you could rephrase it like this: John Torode did not comment on Gregg Wallace leaving MasterChef, instead choosing to post a perspiring selfie in response to the news.

Following the announcement that Gregg had resigned from his role on the show, he shared a post to his Instagram Stories on Thursday, approximately hours later.

Instead of commenting on Gregg’s departure, Torode chose to share a photo from his recent spin class at the David Lloyd club.

Torode, sporting a white T-shirt and casually draped with a grey towel across his shoulder, flashed a smile towards the camera in the instant following his workout at the gym.

He wrote: ‘Another bloody great class… thank you!’ 

MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down

MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down

The photograph was taken several hours following the disclosure that Gregg will be departing MasterChef, as investigations into accusations of past misconduct, such as alleged inappropriate sexual remarks and jests by 13 individuals, are being conducted.

Wallace, who’s 60 years old, has pledged to collaborate completely during every stage, as stated by the production company, Banijay UK.

Pre-recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals, airing now on BBC One with Wallace, will continue to air as scheduled up until December.

It’s yet to be disclosed what kind of accusations have been made against Banijay, but it was suggested last month that the former grocer-turned-TV personality bragged about his personal life to a younger female BBC colleague and reportedly exposed his chest in her presence.

Today, there’s been no statement from Wallace as of now – however, upon making the announcement earlier today, he did post a recipe for prawn tacos with pineapple salsa on Instagram.

In October, Wallace firmly rejected allegations of inappropriate sexual remarks towards women, asserting that he would neither make flirtatious advances nor proposition any female individual. He further clarified by stating: “I did not make any sexually suggestive comments.

This week, Banijay UK communicated to the PA news agency that they have received personal complaints regarding past conduct accusations involving presenter Gregg Wallace on one of their shows, which were directed towards the BBC.

Instead of waiting for the complaints to be brought up with our show producers or Banijay UK directly, we think it’s best to initiate an independent, thorough investigation right away to ensure a fair and comprehensive inquiry.

During the ongoing review, Gregg Wallace has decided to take a break from his position on MasterChef. He’s fully dedicated to participating in the process as required.

MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down
MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down
MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down
MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down

At Banijay UK, we prioritize the well-being of our staff above everything else. We ensure that our behavioral expectations are explicitly communicated to everyone involved in our productions – cast, crew, and all. There are several avenues available for expressing concerns, including anonymously, which are openly publicized on set for anyone’s ease.

Even though these claims are from the past, any instances reported to us that do not adhere to our standards are rigorously examined and dealt with in an appropriate manner.

If you’d prefer to discuss anything with us, share your thoughts, questions, or worries, feel free to email us at speakup@banijayuk.com. All communications will be kept confidential.

The BBC has said it takes any issues that are raised with it ‘seriously’.

A representative from the BBC shared that they carefully address any concerns brought to their attention, and they have strong systems set up to handle such matters effectively.

As a devoted fan, I’m unwavering in my understanding that any action that doesn’t meet the high standards set by the BBC will never be accepted or overlooked.

In situations where an individual works directly for an outside production company, we collaborate with them on any issues or worries that might arise. We’ll stand behind them whenever they take action to resolve these matters.

In October, Wallace openly acknowledged that he was under stress due to accusations of making inappropriate sexual remarks towards women, and it was also claimed by John Torode’s wife that he frequently made offensive jokes on the set.

Wallace shared a live video on Instagram, providing advice on nutritious dining, amid recent accusations leveled against him during the past week.

He told viewers he was ‘a little bit distracted at the moment’, but said he ‘wanted to check in and say hello’.

His response on social media was made when news broke that his MasterChef co-host John Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner might have thought, “I’d rather not listen to this,” due to reports that he was making jokes at the expense of the crew on the BBC’s main cooking program.

52-year-old Faulkner, who emerged victorious in the Celebrity MasterChef competition back in 2010, has recently shared insights into her experience on that popular series.

MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down
MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down
MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down

Actress Faulkner, known for her roles in Brookside and Holby City, shared at the Cheltenham Literature Festival that while preparing meals, she often listened to the humorous comments from a previous greengrocer.

She mentioned that Gregg kept cracking off-color jokes, which I’m guessing might not be appropriate…Gregg shared one joke after another with an inappropriate tone towards the team.

You seem to be stationary, and if you’re seated at the front, you might be busy whittling away while thinking, “I have only ten minutes remaining,” and then he starts with, “A girl once entered a pub…

‘And I’m going, “Please, I don’t want to hear this joke”.’

On stage alongside her, promoting their new book, Wallace, her husband, remarked to her: “There have been quite a few changes, actually…

Wallace firmly rejected allegations that he bragged about his personal relationships, particularly with a younger female BBC colleague, and exposed himself during the taping of a television program. He emphasized that such behavior is entirely out of character for him as he would never engage in flirting or making advances towards women.

2018 saw a corporate boss summoning the co-host of MasterChef for a discussion, after accusations surfaced regarding inappropriate sexual remarks. They advised him to modify his behavior accordingly.

A source close to the situation alleges that he dismissed the remarks as harmless joking, following accusations of repeatedly making uncomfortable comments towards a crew member during filming on the game show “Impossible Celebrities.

MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down

However, Wallace responded to the accusations via an emotional video on Instagram, stating that he was deeply in love with his spouse Anna.

He mentioned that when the news-making story occurred six years back, it was swiftly investigated by the BBC right away.

What transpired was that I didn’t make any sexual comments. Let me clarify, I did not utter any sexual content.

Contrary to the newspaper’s claims, no one alleged that I was flirting or making advances towards anyone six years ago.

I’m stating this due to my devotion to my wife, Anna. For the past twelve years since we met and fell for each other, I’ve remained faithful to her, never entertaining any flirtatious or inappropriate advances towards anyone.

‘And it’s important that, so that people don’t misunderstand that, that I am true to my wife.’

Wallace, who earlier mentioned shedding 5st through an exercise routine, informed the audience: “Over the past few days, I’ve faced a lot of stress, but I’ve consistently maintained my healthy lifestyle choices. That’s just how I live, it’s second nature to me.

Is my explanation clear to you? I truly want it to be. I must admit, I’m somewhat preoccupied right now, so apologies if it seems a bit jumbled.

As a devoted advocate for wellness, I can’t stress enough the numerous advantages of increasing my physical activity. It’s all about reaping the health rewards!

At this point, I don’t plan on discussing newspapers – they seem to be attacking me from all sides.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I can certainly relate to the joy of chocolate buttons! The sweet rush they provide is truly irresistible, and I completely empathize with your feelings towards them.

However, he also mentioned, “I have a strong fondness for mangoes, pineapples, and bowls of blueberries. Contrary to popular belief, fruit is not laden with sugars and fats. In fact, it’s the kind of food that loves you back, as per the saying goes.

Afterward, the television host concluded with a remark: “Today is incredibly packed for me – just popping in to give you a warm greeting.

‘If you want to make a difference to your life, really consider the choices you make.’

This week, it has become public that accusations about inappropriate remarks have surfaced, coinciding with the BBC initiating an investigation into their office environment. Management is taking action to prevent any misuse of power.

MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down

The insider who made the claims against Wallace, which his team says are ‘inaccurate’, raised questions as to why he was allowed to continue presenting MasterChef.

They informed the Sun that he was reportedly bragging about his intimate relationships with his companion during that period.

At a certain time, there were allegations against Wallace for exposing himself in the presence of a woman, an act that seemed inappropriate.

As a devoted team member, I found myself compelled to voice our concerns directly to the higher-ups at BBC, disheartened and mortified by the rumored conduct of one of our colleagues, Wallace.

A representative from the BBC stated to The Sun: “Regarding individual matters, we don’t typically comment. However, if concerns arise, we address them promptly and adequately when they surface.

‘We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour and have robust processes in place.’

Previously, it emerged in May of last year through The Times that he was accused of making insensitive remarks about women’s weights while interacting informally with employees at the Nestlé UK factory in York, which some found offensive.

Later, Wallace asserted that he didn’t depart from the Inside The Factory program at the BBC in March of that particular year because of any inappropriate remarks directed towards female team members.

MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down
MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down

Appearing on Good Morning Britain in August 2023, the called the claims ‘inaccurate’.

According to the report, the individual was disrespectful to staff members and frequently used disparaging language, particularly when speaking with women.

It seems that the comments, allegedly not sexual in nature, were still considered as inappropriate by some. Consequently, a grievance was forwarded to Voltage TV, the entity overseeing the development of the program.

In response to Richard Madeley’s question during Good Morning Britain regarding his exit, Wallace explained that there had been a disagreement within the team, but the details reported aren’t entirely correct.

‘There was an issue and I thought this is the perfect time to come out.’

If you examine the articles, you won’t find a story that corresponds with those headlines.

Additionally, Gregg mentioned his intention to depart for the purpose of providing care for his son Sid, born in 2019, as he has autism.

He mentioned that he has a son named Sid who currently can’t talk and is still in diapers. Sid also faces learning challenges. His mother requires assistance in taking care of him.

MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down
MasterChef star John Torode brushes off Gregg Wallace's axe as he shares a sweaty selfie after a gym class hours after co-host announced he was stepping down

It was clear that, due to the challenging filming conditions at various factories throughout the nation, it was logical to decide to stop production instead.

Wallace clarified: “What the papers reported isn’t correct. I didn’t argue against it, but there was indeed a matter at hand. However, I prefer not to delve into that particular issue.

There wasn’t anything disrespectful or hurtful; it was simply speculation. It seemed like an appropriate moment for the revelation, in my opinion.

In August 2016, Wallace married Anne-Marie Sterpini, who was 22 years his junior, at the Hever Castle in Kent. They had first met three years prior to their wedding.

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2024-11-28 18:20

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