The Daily Star Ireland
Gregg Wallace has faced accusations of making inappropriate comments, including “lesbian jokes,” from several individuals who claim to have worked with him. These recent allegations come after Thursday’s announcement that Wallace would step down from hosting the BBC’s MasterChef while the show’s production company, Banijay UK, reviews historical misconduct complaints.
A woman, referred to as Anna by BBC News, who worked on Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends in 2019 on Channel 5, claimed Wallace was overly interested in her personal life and asked her about her relationships with women in a manner she found inappropriate. She also mentioned that he discussed sex and other personal topics, which she deemed highly inappropriate. Another woman, Amanda, said Wallace showed her photos of a woman in her underwear while they were in a car and took off his shirt, jokingly offering a “fashion show” in front of her and a male colleague in his hotel room.
Georgina, another woman who worked with Wallace on BBC’s Eat Well For Less in 2019, reported that he made inappropriate comments comparing her age to his wife’s. She also described an incident where Wallace made an inappropriate comment about the perception of her joining him in his car. Lisa, another colleague, recounted an incident where Wallace emerged from a bathroom topless during a shoot and asked them to get his coffee.
On Thursday, BBC News reported that 13 individuals had made allegations against Wallace over a 17-year period, including former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark. Wallace’s lawyers have denied any behavior of a sexually harassing nature.
Actress Katy Brand mentioned an awkward moment during Celebrity MasterChef in 2013 when Wallace made an innuendo-laden comment about a tart she made. Although she didn’t file an official complaint, she supported those who did. Rod Stewart also accused Wallace of humiliating his wife, Penny Lancaster, on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021, calling him a “bully.” Charlotte Crosby and Ulrika Jonsson also shared negative experiences with Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef.
A Downing Street spokesperson called the allegations “deeply concerning” and supported a thorough investigation. Wallace thanked his supporters on Instagram and denied the allegations.
William Sitwell, a restaurant critic for The Telegraph, expressed surprise at the allegations against Wallace, describing him as interesting, funny, and outrageous. Banijay UK stated they would conduct an external review of the complaints and that Wallace would step away from MasterChef during the investigation. Both the BBC and Channel 5, which broadcasts Big Weekends, emphasized the seriousness with which they take such allegations and their commitment to investigating them.
Gregg Wallace is best known for co-presenting MasterChef with John Torode since 2005 and its spin-offs. He was honored with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022 for his contributions to food and charity.
