A total of 45 out of 83 allegations made against former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace have been substantiated, including one case of "unwelcome physical contact", according to an independent investigation. The report found that most of the substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual language and humour during his time on the show.
The investigation, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, examined allegations spanning Wallace's career on MasterChef. Banijay UK, the show's production company, announced in November 2024 that Wallace would step away from his role while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.
Investigation spans 19 years
The report found that 94 per cent of allegations against Wallace related to behaviour between 2005 and 2018, with only one allegation substantiated after 2018. During the seven-month investigation, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, which the report said should be considered when viewing the findings.
Wallace, 60, was described as "co-operative and forthcoming" during three interviews totalling 14 hours with the investigations team. However, Banijay UK concluded that Wallace's return to MasterChef was "untenable" following the sustained allegations.
Production company apologises
Patrick Holland, chief executive of Banijay UK, said the report "makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures". He acknowledged that escalation procedures before 2016 were not robust enough and awareness of policies was lacking, particularly amongst freelance staff.
"We are extremely sorry to anyone who has been impacted by this behaviour and felt unable to speak up at the time or that their complaint was not adequately addressed," Holland said. He confirmed Wallace would not be returning to MasterChef.
BBC cuts ties completely
The BBC announced it has "no plans to work with" Wallace in future, stating the behaviour "falls below the values of the BBC". The corporation acknowledged that "opportunities were missed to address this behaviour" by both production companies and the BBC itself.
The BBC has not made a final decision on broadcasting a series of MasterChef filmed last year but not yet aired. The corporation said it would consult with amateur contestants at the appropriate time about the future of the programme.
Previous allegations emerge
Last year, a BBC News investigation revealed allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and behaviour from 13 people who worked with Wallace across various shows over 17 years. Former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark was among those who made allegations.
Wallace's lawyers previously denied he engaged in sexually harassing behaviour. In December, Wallace controversially claimed complaints came from "a handful of middle-class women of a certain age" before apologising for any offence caused.
Wallace claims vindication
Ahead of the report's publication, Wallace claimed on Instagram that he had been cleared of the "most serious and sensational accusations". He revealed his autism diagnosis, saying it had been "suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef".
Wallace was the original presenter of Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has featured on programmes including Eat Well For Less?, Inside The Factory and Supermarket Secrets. He was best known for presenting MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, and Celebrity MasterChef.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
