Dom Joly causes carnage with 'shameful' joke about MasterChef star Gregg Wallace

Gregg Wallace has stepped away from his role as MasterChef host as he faces behavioural complaints and claims he made inappropriate sexual jokes while at work

Comedian Dom Joly has split opinion after making a joke about Gregg Wallace.

The MasterChef host is currently surrounded by controversy as he faces claims of making "inappropriate sexual jokes" amongst other behavioural complaints.

Wallace's lawyer has said: "It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature". Last week, it was announced he would be stepping away from his role as MasterChef host as an external review of misconduct allegations takes place.

Wallace appeared on screens this week as MasterChef: The Professionals continues to air. However, it has since been confirmed two MasterChef Christmas specials have been pulled from the BBC ’s schedule. It has also been confirmed that three episodes of BBC Two's Inside the Factory, which are repeats, have been taken out of the schedule.

Reacting to the news, comedian Dom wrote on X: "Ok…then f**k it, since you’ll never see it. I can let you know. I won the whole thing and made the best dishes ever tasted on the show. Gregg Wallace said, and I quote- 'this quiche is so tasty that I’m going to pull its pants down and roger it senseless right now'."

Fans were divided by the joke as some found it funny, while others said it wasn't a matter to be laughed at. One said: "It's because of this type of comment that they are pulling him off." Another fumed: "Sadly you’ve ended up being as bad as the rest of the wronguns. Shame on you for making light of Women being uncomfortable around men like you and Wallace."

Someone else wrote: "Jesus. You’re like the woefully unfunny, pub bore that everyone avoids." A fourth quipped: "Not even remotely funny." However, many filled the post with laughing emojis and branded it "hilarious". The BBC previously announced a Celebrity MasterChef Cook Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza as part of its festive schedule, both billed as hour-long programmes for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

A BBC spokesperson said: “As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned. The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them."

Emmerdale actor Amy Walsh, comedian Shazia Mirza, reality star Luca Bish, and The Wanted singer Max George, who all appeared on Celebrity MasterChef last year, were set to feature on Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off. The BBC previously announced the Strictly Come Dancing-themed special would involve appearances from professional dancers Amy Dowden, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu.

Wallace faces allegations from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period. He apologised on Monday for claiming complaints about his behaviour came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”, adding he will now “take some time out”.

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