Penny Lancaster reveals husband Rod Stewart encouraged her to call out Gregg Wallace for her treatment on Celebrity MasterChef – after host stepped down amid misconduct probe
As a seasoned observer of human behavior and interpersonal dynamics, I find myself deeply troubled by the recent allegations against Gregg Wallace, a man who has been a staple in British television for many years. His life story is one of rags to riches, from humble beginnings as a market trader to becoming a beloved TV personality.
On Celebrity MasterChef, Penny Lancaster found the strength, inspired by her husband Sir Rod Stewart, to speak up about how Gregg Wallace was treating her.
60-year-old BBC presenter Gregg recently took a leave of absence from MasterChef following allegations of improper and sexually charged conduct made by 13 individuals, among them Newsnight anchor Kirsty Wark, during the production process.
Sir Rod, Penny’s husband and aged 79, similarly voiced an angry outburst towards Gregg, labeling him as a “heavyset, bald, rude, and boorish bully” due to his alleged mistreatment of Penny on the program.
During the latest episode of Loose Women, Penny, aged 53, asserted that she wouldn’t have had the courage to speak out if it weren’t for her husband’s backing.
17-year wife of the rocker confided in the Loose Women group, saying: “Naturally, I wasn’t taken aback by my spouse’s actions, and I also wasn’t shocked regarding the allegations against Gregg Wallace.
When questioned about her confidence, Penny replied, “Absolutely, that’s the reason we frequently encounter historical instances where people hesitate to speak up right away.
‘At first, you may think that no one else shares your thoughts or concerns, feeling unsure if anyone will take you seriously. But then, unexpectedly, others rally behind you and offer their backing and support. This gives you the confidence to believe that people will listen to you.’
In relation to the discussions with other women, Penny remarked: ‘During or nearby those talks, yes.’
‘I know a lot of people in the industry and it hasn’t really been a surprise to anyone.’
‘It is just a shame that so many women feel like they can’t reach out at the time because they don’t feel supported – so hopefully this will have more of a mark on the industry to protect and safeguard.’
Viewers of the program may recall Penny exiting Celebrity MasterChef in tears during 2021, following Gregg’s reprimand for the prolonged preparation time of her dish, and his decision not to partake in eating it.
After Gregg Wallace left the show, Rod expressed strong feelings by stating: ‘Gregg Wallace was let go from MasterChef.’
I’m glad you’re gone, Wallace. It seems you embarrassed my wife during the show, but they edited out that part, didn’t they?
‘You’re a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya. Sir Rod Stewart.’
TopMob has contacted the BBC for a comment.
During the hustle and bustle of the kitchen while she was on the program, Gregg advised Penny, “Friend, we can’t afford to be even ten minutes behind,” emphasizing her tardiness as a significant issue.
At that moment, she posted on Instagram saying, “When you eventually realize that someone’s actions are mostly influenced by their personal battles rather than about you, you develop kindness.
It’s been alleged that Gregg behaved inappropriately by stripping down in the presence of a female colleague, claiming he was putting on a fashion display for her, and discussing his personal intimate matters with other individuals.
At one point, it was claimed that he jokingly mentioned to a younger female coworker that he wasn’t wearing underwear beneath his jeans.
According to the BBC’s disclosure, it’s been reported that 13 individuals, among them Kirsty, have voiced concerns about his behavior during their professional collaboration spanning a 17-year timeframe, across five different shows, dating back from 2005 up until 2022.
Kirsty asserted that during the filming of Celebrity MasterChef in 2011, Gregg made inappropriate tales and humor of a sexual nature, which were out of place, both among contestants and crew. She stated emphatically that his jokes and comments were absolutely unsuitable for the given situation.
On two specific instances, he employed inappropriate sexual terminology around several individuals. However, it seemed no one responded or interacted with this behavior. Instead, it was all coming from him. I believe everyone was taken aback and it wasn’t something I anticipated happening.
According to the BBC, Gregg chose to leave MasterChef about a month ago following receipt of a letter from BBC News detailing accusations from 13 individuals, and offering him an opportunity to respond.
Back in 2018, there was a report that he received a warning following a complaint. However, fresh historical assertions surfaced during the summer of 2024.
According to Banijay UK, Gregg has pledged to collaborate completely during every step of the way.
Back in October, I was adamant in my stance that I’ve never made inappropriate sexual advances toward any woman. To set the record straight, I would never cross the line by flirting or making passes at another woman. Instead, when asked about such matters, I simply stated: “I didn’t utter a single word that could be construed as sexual.
BBC News reportedly learned of additional accusations, such as the host discussing his personal sexual matters, removing his shirt in the presence of a female employee with comments about giving her a fashion show, and informing a junior female coworker that he wasn’t wearing any underwear beneath his jeans.
Banijay has not revealed the nature of the allegations.
This week, Banijay UK acknowledged receiving complaints about past misbehavior accusations involving presenter Gregg Wallace on one of their shows, which were brought up by several people to the BBC.
Even though the individuals making complaints haven’t directly spoken about their issues with our show producers or Banijay UK, we think it’s necessary to promptly initiate an independent investigation, carried out by a third party, to thoroughly examine all concerns and ensure fairness.
During the ongoing review, Gregg Wallace has decided to take a break from his duties on MasterChef. He remains dedicated to actively participating in the process as it unfolds.
At Banijay UK, the well-being of our staff is paramount. We make it a point to communicate our standards of conduct explicitly to everyone involved in our productions, be they cast or crew members. Concerns can be raised in various ways, with an emphasis on maintaining confidentiality when necessary, and this information is always made readily available on set.
Although these claims are from the past, any instances that come to our notice where our standards aren’t upheld, are rigorously examined and handled properly.
‘If you have anything you’d like to discuss with us, whether it’s questions, problems, or suggestions, feel free to email us at speakup@banijayuk.com. Your communication will be kept confidential.’
The BBC has said it takes any issues that are raised with it ‘seriously’.
A representative from the BBC stated: “Any concerns brought to our attention are given careful consideration, and we have strong systems to address them effectively.
It’s important to understand that any actions falling short of the BBC’s set standards will never be accepted.
If an individual works for an outside production company on a contract basis, any grievances or issues they encounter will be communicated to that company. We stand ready to assist them in resolving those matters.
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2024-12-22 05:21