Gregg Wallace, the long-time face of BBC's MasterChef, has vowed he "will not go quietly" following his reported dismissal amid a sweeping misconduct investigation. The 60-year-old television presenter stepped back from his hosting duties in November 2024 after allegations spanning nearly two decades surfaced, accusing him of inappropriate behaviour ranging from sexualised jokes to more serious claims of misconduct.
Wallace's departure comes after an independent inquiry commissioned by MasterChef's production company, Banijay UK, and conducted by the law firm Lewis Silkin. The six-month investigation cleared him of the most serious accusations, including groping and bullying, but found him "primarily guilty of inappropriate language" between 2005 and 2018. Despite the report's findings, more than 50 additional claims have been brought forward, including allegations that Wallace groped a MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another, which he vehemently denies.
In a detailed Instagram statement released on July 8, 2025, ahead of the report's official publication, Wallace expressed frustration with how the BBC and media handled the situation. "I have now been cleared by the Silkin's report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me," he wrote. "The most damaging claims (including from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation." He accused BBC News of "peddling baseless and sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories" and dismissed recent media reports as "uncorroborated tittle-tattle."
Wallace acknowledged that some of his humour and language were "inappropriate" at times and apologized "without reservation". He also revealed a recent diagnosis of autism, referring to his "neurodiversity" as a factor that was suspected but never properly addressed during his two decades on the show. "My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef," he wrote. "Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years. That failure is now being quietly buried."
Wallace described himself as the "cheeky greengrocer," a persona that was part of MasterChef's brand for over 20 years. "Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem," he lamented. He also criticized the BBC's decision to effectively end his tenure, saying, "I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established. The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest."
The allegations against Wallace first came to light in late 2024 when 13 people, including high-profile figures such as broadcaster Kirsty Wark, author Emma Kennedy, and presenter Kirstie Allsopp, accused him of inappropriate sexual comments and behaviour. Over time, more claims emerged, with some women describing incidents of groping and other sexual misconduct on various sets and events related to BBC programming.
One woman, known as Alice, alleged that between 2011 and 2013, Wallace pulled his trousers down in front of her in a dressing room, behaviour she described as "disgusting and predatory." Despite reporting the incident at the time, she was met with dismissive responses, including a senior production team member telling her, "You're over 16, you're not being 'Jimmy Saviled.'" Another worker, Sophie, recounted being groped by Wallace at a wrap party in 2013, an experience that left her feeling "absolutely horrified" and "quite sick." Other claims included inappropriate touching and lewd comments made in various professional and social settings over the years.
These allegations have raised serious questions about the BBC's safeguarding practices and its handling of complaints. Internal documents revealed that the BBC was aware of concerns as far back as 2017. Kate Phillips, then-controller for entertainment commissioning, reportedly confronted Wallace about his behaviour, describing it as "unacceptable and cannot continue." Despite warnings, further allegations persisted, including a 2022 complaint from a 19-year-old MasterChef worker about Wallace's comments on her body, which was reportedly dismissed as "just a joke." A former police officer also claimed to have reported Wallace's sexually inappropriate language in 2023 but never received a response.
The BBC has stated it will not comment further until the investigation is complete and the findings are published. Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, has similarly withheld comment pending the report's release. The full report, spanning over 200 pages, is expected to be officially published on July 10, 2025, though Wallace's legal team has reportedly received an early indication of its conclusions.
Wallace's dismissal marks a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about workplace culture and accountability in the media industry. His case has highlighted the challenges faced by freelancers and junior staff in raising concerns, especially when powerful figures are involved. Human rights barrister Baroness Helena Kennedy noted the difficulty freelancers have in speaking out for fear of losing work or being labelled troublemakers.
Despite the gravity of the allegations and the investigation's findings, Wallace maintains that he was not the "caricature" portrayed by the media and insists that some of the more serious accusations are baseless. His recent public statements reflect a man fighting to reclaim his reputation amid a complex and highly charged controversy.
Following Wallace's departure, restaurant critic and former reality TV contestant Grace Dent has taken over as MasterChef's presenter. The BBC also pulled several Christmas episodes of the show from its 2024 festive schedule amid the ongoing fallout.
As the final report looms, the full impact of this scandal on the BBC, MasterChef, and the wider television industry remains to be seen. What is clear is that the case has sparked broader conversations about the standards expected of public figures and the mechanisms in place to protect vulnerable workers.
