A growing controversy has centered Gregg Wallace, the long-standing host of MasterChef, and shaken the foundation of the cooking show.
Known for his charismatic on-screen presence, Wallace’s name now links to a series of unsettling allegations spanning nearly two decades.
Multiple women have come forward with claims of inappropriate behavior during Wallace’s career, which dates back to 2005.
Allegations range from offensive comments to physical misconduct, leaving the presenter’s reputation hanging by a thread.
The controversy gained momentum as women recounted their experiences on various programs Wallace was involved in.
One of the most disturbing accounts comes from Emma Phillips-Jennings, a contestant on MasterChef in 2009.
Phillips-Jennings claimed that during her time on the show, Wallace made a lewd joke about her father’s cooking.
She alleges that Wallace followed the comment by thrusting his groin toward her face three times while she crouched in front of an oven.
She described the moment as deeply humiliating and degrading, likening it to a scene from Little Britain rather than a cooking competition.
“No one told him anything or pulled him up about it,” she added, expressing disbelief over the lack of intervention.
Other allegations reveal a pattern of inappropriate behavior that spans years. In 2015, a crew member from Eat Well For Less accused Wallace of brushing against her inappropriately at a supermarket checkout.
The woman alleged that Wallace touched her backside and made a crude comment, laughing and saying, “Ooh, you liked that, didn’t you.”
She described the encounter as “slimy” and reported the incident to a senior colleague, but no action followed.
In another incident, a woman working on MasterChef claimed she was called to Wallace’s dressing room to adjust his bow tie.
She claimed that he had partially lowered his trousers, exposing part of his pubic area.
Reports also describe Wallace’s behavior at public events, including a claim from 2022 where he allegedly groped a woman during a group hug in an elevator.
Wallace faced accusations of asking a British Sign Language interpreter to sign inappropriate phrases in front of an audience during a live cooking show.
The allegations extend beyond inappropriate comments and groping.
Wallace has also been accused of walking onto the MasterChef set naked, except for a sock covering his genitals, and performing what was described as a “silly dance.”
As the allegations mounted, Wallace initially responded by dismissing them as complaints from “middle-class women of a certain age.”
Backlash to his comments forced him to release an apology, attributing his remarks to stress and emotion.
“I want to apologize for any offense I caused,” Wallace stated in a follow-up video. “I wasn’t in a good headspace when I posted it, and I hope you’ll accept this apology.”
The BBC promptly announced the removal of the MasterChef Christmas specials from the schedule. Channel 5 has also removed Wallace’s programs from its streaming platform and canceled upcoming reruns.
Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, has launched an investigation into the allegations. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for contributors and staff.
Despite the growing scrutiny, Wallace has denied engaging in any sexually harassing behavior. His legal representatives described the accusations as “entirely false,” calling for due process as the investigation unfolds.
Now, the BBC has confirmed that Wallace is stepping away from his role on MasterChef while the allegations are thoroughly reviewed.
This decision has left fans and the industry wondering about the future of one of Britain’s most iconic cooking shows.
The investigation continues, and as more voices come forward, the case against Wallace becomes increasingly complex.
For now, his career and legacy remain clouded by these serious accusations, leaving his future uncertain.
Featured Image Credit: (Instagram/ @greggawallace)
