For nearly two decades, Gregg Wallace has been a familiar face on MasterChef, captivating audiences with his energetic personality and culinary expertise.
Alongside co-host John Torode, he played a key role in transforming the show into a beloved global franchise.
Wallace’s dynamic interactions with contestants and passion for food made him a household name.
His journey on MasterChef began in 2005, and since then, he has also featured in popular spin-offs like Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.
But now, an unexpected development has turned the spotlight on Wallace for reasons far removed from his culinary achievements.
Fans are grappling with shock as Wallace’s long-standing tenure on the show takes a sudden and controversial turn.
The whispers began when Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, released a statement confirming complaints about Wallace’s behavior.
These complaints, brought to the BBC, involve allegations of historical misconduct spanning 17 years.
Kirsty Wark, a former Celebrity MasterChef contestant, revealed uncomfortable moments during her time on the show.
She accused Wallace of telling “sexualized” jokes during filming, calling his behavior “really, really in the wrong place.”
According to Wark, these incidents left many uneasy, creating an awkward atmosphere on set. “We were essentially a captive audience,” she said. “I was more angry than anything else, because it felt like a display of power.”
These allegations are not isolated, as other individuals have come forward with troubling accounts.
Reports include Wallace discussing his sex life, removing his shirt in front of colleagues, and making inappropriate comments to female staff.
One worker claimed Wallace showed her topless photos of himself and asked for massages.
Another described Wallace commenting on her personal life, asking intrusive questions about her dating preferences and private experiences.
Sir Rod Stewart also criticized Wallace, calling him an “ill-mannered bully” on Instagram.
He alleged Wallace humiliated his wife, Penny Lancaster, during her appearance on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021, describing the presenter’s behavior as “karma catching up.”
These revelations follow a prior investigation in 2018 when Wallace was accused of misconduct on the set of Impossible Celebrities.
The BBC concluded that some of his actions were “unacceptable and unprofessional,” though Wallace denied the allegations.
In response to the recent claims, Wallace’s legal team has strongly denied all allegations, calling them “entirely false.”
On social media, Wallace thanked supporters, stating, “It’s good of you—thank you very much.”
Despite the controversy, some colleagues have defended Wallace, describing his on-set behavior as light-hearted.
A former MasterChef worker noted that Wallace often made “dad jokes” and did not perceive his comments as malicious.
Banijay UK has initiated an external investigation to address the complaints impartially. The company emphasized its commitment to staff welfare and invited individuals to raise concerns anonymously.
Episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Wallace, which were recorded before the allegations surfaced, will air as scheduled.
The next installment is set to broadcast as planned, continuing through December.
Breaking the news, Banijay UK confirmed that Gregg Wallace will step away from MasterChef while the investigation is underway.
His sudden departure marks the end of an era for the show, leaving fans to grapple with the allegations that prompted this decision.
For Wallace, who has been a central figure in food-based programming for over 20 years, this turn of events casts a shadow over his career.
While the investigation unfolds, the allegations against him remain a point of intense public interest.
Featured Image Credit: (Instagram/ @greggawallace)
