Gregg Wallace to step away from MasterChef after 19 years due to investigation

Updated 11:57 28 Nov 2024 GMTPublished 11:49 28 Nov 2024 GMT

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The host is set to step away

Gregg Wallace is set to step away from MasterChef due to an investigation.

Wallace was a co-presenter of the cooking show for 19 years.

Masterchef's producer Banijay released the following statement: “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.”

The statement added: “If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact [email protected] in confidence.”

A BBC spokesperson told PA: "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."

Wallace has presented food-based TV shows for over 20 years, first appearing as a host on Saturday Kitchen in 2002.

He has been the co-presenter of MasterChef since 2005 alongside John Torode.

The LADbible group have contacted representatives for Gregg Wallace for comment.

More to follow.