MasterChef's Gregg Wallace dropped from role in another blow after BBC investigation

Kirsty Wark says Gregg Wallace used 'sexualised language'

Former MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has been hit with another blow as he has been dropped as the patron of an autism charity. It comes as the 60-year-old stepped away from his hosting duties on the BBC cooking show, following a series of allegations made against him.

Since then, Ambitious about Autism have confirmed to Civil Society that it is no longer working with Wallace and he has since been removed from their list of ambassadors. A spokesperson for the charity said: "In light of recent allegations, we are no longer working with Gregg Wallace. We have let him know our decision and thanked him for his support of our work over the last two years."

Back in June 2023, when Gregg was made ambassador for the charity, he commented on the role saying: "I am thrilled to be Ambitious about Autism’s new ambassador. As a parent to my wonderful autistic son, Sid, this charity is very close to my heart.

“I was lucky enough to see firsthand the charity’s amazing work at its pioneering TreeHouse School – and it was a joy to spend time with pupils and their dedicated staff. Autistic children and young people and their families face many challenges and that’s why Ambitious about Autism’s work is so vital.

"I’m really looking forward to working with the charity to break down barriers, increase autism acceptance and ensure young people can reach their potential in education, employment and beyond.”

Gregg Wallace is facing an investigation by the BBC (Image: BBC)

Gregg is father to a five-year-old son, Sid, who is non-verbal and was diagnosed with autism in 2022.

The TV presenter and his wife, Annie-Marie Sterpini, said they were doing all they could to educate themselves about his diagnosis.

The BBC has now launched an investigation into a series of complaints made against Gregg.

Gregg stepped down from his role on MasterChef (Image: Getty)

A statement from Banijay UK said: "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 it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.

"While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process.”