Gregg Wallace, the well-known presenter of BBC's MasterChef, has recently come under intense scrutiny following multiple allegations of misconduct from 13 individuals over a span of 17 years. The allegations, which include claims of inappropriate sexual comments and behavior, have prompted Wallace to step back from his role on the popular cooking show while an external review is conducted by the production company, Banijay UK.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on April 26, 2025, Wallace expressed his struggles with mental health amid the storm of accusations, stating, "I need space to heal and to be with the people who know who I really am." He acknowledged that sharing his feelings had been challenging but necessary, saying, "It was hard to do, but speaking honestly for myself, my family and especially my mum felt right." Wallace emphasized that he would not be making any further comments at this time, indicating a desire to focus on his recovery.
Among the notable accusations is that of Kirsty Wark, a former Newsnight host and Celebrity MasterChef contestant, who alleged that Wallace made sexualized jokes during filming, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for the cast and crew. Another former staff member claimed that Wallace showed her topless pictures of himself and solicited massages, further intensifying the allegations against him.
In December 2024, following the emergence of these allegations, Wallace announced he would be stepping away from MasterChef to allow for a thorough investigation. A statement from Banijay UK confirmed their commitment to an impartial inquiry, stating, "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." The statement also highlighted the company's dedication to staff welfare and the importance of maintaining appropriate behavior on set.
Wallace has previously faced scrutiny regarding his conduct on set. In October 2024, he denied making sexual comments to a female colleague after an investigation by the BBC in 2018 found no grounds for such claims. He stated, "The allegations were investigated by the BBC six years ago, and my comments were found to be not sexual. I repeat not sexual." He also insisted that he had never flirted with or made advances toward any staff member, defending his integrity in light of the accusations.
However, Wallace's situation escalated when he described feeling "under attack" and contemplating suicide due to the overwhelming nature of the allegations. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he revealed, "Nobody should be left on their own to face something like this. It’s very difficult to explain the pressure unless you’ve been through it. I thought about suicide all the time – is my insurance up to date? Will Anna get some money? She doesn’t deserve this. It would be better if I wasn’t here." This candid admission reflects the profound impact that the allegations have had on his mental health.
In his Instagram statements, Wallace expressed frustration over the lack of support from the BBC amidst the growing public scrutiny. He lamented, "Nobody from the BBC contacted me once these stories started breaking – absolutely nobody at all." This perceived abandonment contributed to his feelings of isolation and distress during the crisis.
Wallace's mother, who recently passed away, reportedly spent her final days reading negative reports about her son, which he described as "terribly sad." He recounted a conversation with her where she questioned why people were "picking on him," to which he responded, "Mum, they’re not all true. I haven’t done these things." This personal struggle adds a layer of emotional depth to Wallace's public battle against the allegations.
Further complicating the situation, Wallace has faced additional claims of inappropriate behavior, including accusations of groping and making sexually explicit remarks. While he has admitted that some of his jokes were likely inappropriate, he has firmly denied the more serious allegations, stating, "I don’t want to make myself sound innocent because, I’ve come to realise, I must have offended a lot of people over the years when you look at the number of complaints. But people on MasterChef are in a very stressed situation and many of them are going to leave disappointed with shattered dreams."
Reflecting on his past conduct, Wallace acknowledged a need for growth, admitting he was "very slow to wake up to the changing nature of the work environment." He noted that his "loud, energetic greengrocer persona" might have become outdated, and he expressed a desire to understand how his actions may have been perceived by others.
Despite the ongoing investigations and the serious nature of the allegations, Wallace has maintained that he never engaged in behavior that could be classified as sexual harassment. His lawyers have categorically denied any claims of such conduct, emphasizing that Wallace has always aimed to create a positive and supportive environment on set.
The BBC, which has faced its own scrutiny regarding workplace conduct, has reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of behavior among its staff. In a memo to employees, BBC director-general Tim Davie and chief content officer Charlotte Moore emphasized that the corporation would support Banijay UK in its investigation and that it does not tolerate behavior that falls below expected standards.
As the investigation into Wallace's conduct continues, the public remains divided on the issue. Some support the allegations, citing a need for accountability in the entertainment industry, while others defend Wallace, arguing that he has been unfairly targeted. The outcome of the investigation may have lasting implications for Wallace's career and the broader discourse surrounding workplace conduct in the media.
In the meantime, Wallace seeks to navigate these turbulent waters while prioritizing his mental health and personal well-being. With the support of a crisis mentor provided by Banijay, he hopes to find a path forward amidst the chaos and reclaim his narrative.
