Gregg Wallace has been one of the most recognisable faces in British TV in his role on Masterchef but admitted one thing “that got me into trouble” after his sacking from the BBC cookery show
Axed MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace has revealed one behaviour “that got me into trouble” after his abrupt sacking from the popular BBC cooking show.
Wallace and co-star John Torode helped make the rebooted MasterChef into a huge brand after taking the reins in 2005, but both left the show earlier this year after allegations of misconduct.
The two hosts saw their time on the show cut short after a number of allegations against them were upheld. An investigation carried out by the law firm, Lewis Silkin, confirmed that 45 complaints against Wallace were upheld, including one for “unwelcome physical contact” and three involving a state of undress.
Meanwhile, there was one claim of racism upheld against his co-star Torode, which he has completely denied.
Yesterday evening (Sunday, August 24) Wallace took to TikTok Live, where he was seen fielding questions from fans as he updated them on his life.
One question asked whether he was still going to the gym. Wallace quickly stood up before saying “of course, I’m like a butchers dog” before seemingly then going on to refer to the recent investigation into him. He added: “I would take my shirt off, but that got me into trouble last time.”
Despite both Wallace and Torode leaving the show, the BBC chose to air the latest series of the cookery show which had already been filmed with both Wallace and Torode featuring as normal.
Two contestants have been edited out of the scandal-hit series. The episodes also appear to have been edited to include fewer jokes between the hosts with less chat between them and the chefs.
Wallace started his career supplying fruit and veg to restaurants across London in the late 1980s. Nearly two decades later Gregg established himself as one of the most recognised faces on TV.
His early TV credits included Saturday Kitchen and Follow That Tomato on the Food Channel before he landed the MasterChef gig in 2005.
Wallace has recently turned his attentions to his Gregg Wallace Health venture. The website sees subscribers offered advice on eating as well fitness as part of a three tiered payment system. Their membership plans vary from £11.99 to £89.99.
In a statement from the BBC earlier this year confirming Wallace’s time on MasterChef had come to an end, the corporation said: “We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace.
“In light of these findings, (production company) Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future.
“The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.
“Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.
“We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour.”