Gregg Wallace has stepped back from hosting.
The presenter made the decision after allegations were made that he had been acting in a "sexualised" manner with contestants. The allegations span across multiple shows he featured in across a 17-year timespan, from 2005 to 2022.
A number of production staff and contestants alike have come forward with claims relating to Gregg, including sexual gestures, unsolicited nudity and general inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. Now, the scandal has breached the showbiz world and entered the political arena.
READ MORE: Gregg Wallace's past denial of betraying wife before MasterChef complaints
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In a statement released on Friday (November 29), a spokesperson for Number 10 Downing Street said: "The allegations made are deeply concerning regarding today’s reporting. It’s right that a thorough investigation is conducted, but this of course is one for the BBC and you will have seen their statement saying that they ‘take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place’.
The spokesperson added: "While that process is underway it wouldn’t be right for me to comment, I believe the BBC is currently undertaking a workplace culture review to deliver clear and timely recommendations, and it’s essential that staff and the wider public have confidence that the BBC takes these issues seriously." It comes as the channel launches yet another probe into one of its programmes amid claims of workplace misconduct.
A total of 13 different people have accused the MasterChef presenter of making inappropriate sexual comments. Among the claims made are accusations of making "rape jokes", as well as walking onto set completely naked with just a sock covering Gregg's private parts.
The BBC has not officially commented on the situation, but in a post on his social media on Thursday, Gregg broke his silence, thanking those for checking in on him after the allegations surfaced. He added: "That's very good of you - thank you," before signing off.
A probe has now been set up by the BBC to look into the claims being made against Gregg over the course of the 17-years. This includes the re-examination of a case lodged against Gregg back in 2018, when he appeared on gameshow Impossible Celebrities.
In October this year - six years after the incident was alleged to have occurred, Gregg vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and insisted he did not say "anything sexual" to anyone during the filming of the BBC Two programme. Investigations into the newest set of claims being made against him are now underway.
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