Former MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace, who fronted the show for two decades, was axed from the BBC programme following an investigation into his behaviour
Gregg Wallace is reportedly looking for a way to ‘get straight back into work’ after he was axed from his role at MasterChef over his behaviour. The report, conducted by legal firm Lewis Silkin, shared that 45 out of 83 accusations against the father-of-three were corroborated – mostly involving inappropriate sexual language and humour.
The report divided the complaints into seven categories. Of the 45 upheld, 12 were for inappropriate comments (jokes and innuendo), 16 were sexually explicit comments, three were for being in a state of undress, two were for sexualised comments made to or about someone, four were over being culturally insensitive or racist, seven were over bullying and one was for unwanted physical contact.
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The former judge, who fronted the show with fellow axed star John Torode for two decades, said he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and added “it was never intended.”
Following the results of the investigation, a source claimed Gregg is thinking “he can follow in the footsteps of other people who have lost prominent jobs in mainstream TV” by ‘going at it alone’ as he searches for a new career path.
“His biggest fear is losing everything he has worked so hard for and going bust,” the insider told MailOnline.
“He also wants to get himself a new agent pretty quickly to land some commercial deals – he’s had big endorsement arrangements in the past which have paid a fortune, but it’s hard to imagine any big brand wanting to snap him up at the moment.” The Mirror have reached out to this representatives for comment.
In Gregg’s statement, he said: “For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld.
“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.
“I’m relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off.
“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. A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived. I’m still learning.”
He went on to thank Banijay and fans for their support before slamming the BBC for ‘leaving his exposed to trial by media’. He then claimed there would ‘be more casualties’.
Wallace said: “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.
“There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.”
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