Gregg Wallace, the former host of MasterChef, has recently made headlines after a BBC report substantiated 45 allegations against him. The 60-year-old presenter had been at the helm of the popular cooking show for 20 years before his departure from the franchise.
Last week, it was revealed that Gregg had been dropped as the host of MasterChef following an external investigation into complaints made to the BBC about his past conduct. This news came as a shock to many fans of the show, who have grown accustomed to seeing Gregg’s jovial and enthusiastic presence on screen.
Gregg had originally announced that he would be taking a leave of absence from MasterChef and its various spin-offs towards the end of last year while the investigation got underway. And now, in a statement released by the presenter, he has broken his silence on the matter.
“For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fueled by rumor and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld,” Gregg wrote in his statement.
He went on to address the issue of unwanted touching, which was the only allegation that was not dismissed. “I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended,” he said.
The 60-year-old also revealed that he has recently been diagnosed with autism, which has helped him understand how he communicates and how he is perceived by others. “I’m still learning,” he added.
The external investigation found Gregg guilty of “unwanted touching” and three counts of being in “a state of undress.” The report’s findings also concluded that six complaints had been received between 2005 and 2024, with an additional six in that time period being received by the BBC. A total of 78 witnesses provided evidence for the investigation.
It was also revealed that the “vast majority (94 per cent)” of the original 83 allegations were linked to behavior that allegedly happened between 2005 and 2018. This means that the majority of the allegations were from a time period before 2018, when Gregg’s behavior reportedly changed.
According to reports, a series of MasterChef was filmed last year with Gregg in his usual role right up until the finale. However, the upcoming series of Celebrity MasterChef was recorded after Gregg’s absence, with Grace Dent co-hosting alongside John Torode.
In his statement, Gregg expressed his relief that the Banijay report fully recognizes that his behavior changed profoundly in 2018. He also acknowledged that some of his humor and language may have missed the mark, but he never intended to harm or humiliate anyone.
“After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I’ve only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier,” he said.
Gregg also thanked Banijay for their support and acknowledged that he has made mistakes. However, he also criticized the BBC for leaving him exposed to “trial by media” and the damage it can cause. He also expressed concern for others who may face similar situations in the future.
“To those who’ve shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won’t be the last,” he said.
In conclusion, Gregg stated that he will be considering his next move with full legal support. He also expressed his disappointment in the BBC for prioritizing their legacy over protecting people.
The news of Gregg’s departure from MasterChef has been met with mixed reactions from fans and colleagues. However, one thing is for sure – his absence will be felt on the show. His passion for food and his infectious energy have made him a beloved figure in the world of cooking shows.
As we bid farewell to Gregg Wallace on MasterChef, we can only hope that he will continue to share his love for food and cooking in other ways. And as he embarks on a new chapter in his life, we wish him all the best and hope that he continues to learn and grow.
