Gregg Wallace is stepping down from his MasterChef presenting gig.
The news comes after BBC received complaints from individuals regarding historical allegations of misconduct."
The 60-year-old presenter is reportedly "committed to fully cooperating throughout the process” according to a statement from MasterChef's production company Banijay UK.
Their statement reads: "This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.
“Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.
“While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process."
“Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set."
“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”
To close off their statement the company added: " “If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.”
The BBC has also said that it takes issues raised "seriously" and a spokesperson told PA news agency about their plan: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them."
“We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated."
“Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”
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