Gregg Wallace has shared a cryptic social media post declaring “we are all different”, two days after allegations that he made a number of inappropriate sexual comments began to emerge.
Taking to Instagram, the Masterchef presenter posted a picture with the simple phrase on Saturday evening.
Earlier, he shared an Instagram story of a gingerbread man, with the caption: “Enjoy your weekend.”
It comes after the charity Ambitious about Autism dropped him as an ambassador, a role he begun two years ago after speaking regularly about his four-year-old son’s condition.
Wallace left the BBC programme on Thursday (28 November) amid claims made by 13 people who worked with him on shows over a 17-year period.
The Independent has contacted Wallace’s representatives for comment. A BBC spokesperson said “any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated”.
Key points
- ‘We are all different’: Wallace shares new cryptic Instagram post
- Penny Lancaster breaks silence on accusations
- Wallace posts cryptic Instagram message to social media
- What allegations are Wallace facing?
- Gregg Wallace thanks public for support in statement
Gregg Wallace dropped by autism charity
21:01
Athena Stavrou
Presenter Gregg Wallace has been dropped from an autism charity in the wake of allegations that he made inappropriate comments to colleagues.
He was announced as an ambassador to Ambitious about Autism after his son Sid, four, was diagnosed with the condition.
An Ambitious about Autism spokesperson said: “In light of recent allegations, we are no longer working with Gregg Wallace.
“We have let him know our decision and thanked him for his support of our work over the last two years.”
Gregg Wallace and Kirsty Wark clash in MasterChef kitchen in resurfaced clip
20:05
Athena Stavrou
Gregg Wallace and former BBC Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark clash in the MasterChef kitchen in a resurfaced clip.
The scenes, from Celebrity MasterChef in 2011, have resurfaced after Ms Wark claimed Mr Wallace told “sexualised” jokes during filming for the show.
Letter sent to BBC about Gregg Wallace’s behaviour in 2022, reports claim
19:19
Athena Stavrou
A letter outlining allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Gregg Wallace was sent to the BBC two years ago, reports have claimed.
The letter, which was seen by the Observer, contained claims from several women including complaints of sexualised comments, but did not prompt any further investigation at the time.
The Guardian reported that it was sent by director and producer Dawn Elrick in 2022, on behalf of other women who contacted her. She said she was told each complainant would have to contact the broadcasters individually.
“This is very tricky for freelancers to do without identifying themselves, which makes life extremely tricky in the freelance world,” she told the paper. “Placing the onus on individual employees/freelancers means they failed to see that I was trying to tell them there was a pattern of alleged behaviour.”
A BBC spokesperson told the Observer: “If issues are raised with us we have robust processes in place to deal with them swiftly and appropriately. We will always listen if people want to make us aware of something directly.
“It would be inappropriate for us to comment on anything that could form part of Banijay’s ongoing investigation or otherwise influence it.”
‘We are all different’: Wallace shares cryptic Instagram post
18:45
Athena Stavrou
Gregg Wallace has shared another cryptic Instagram post in the wake of allegations against himself.
The former Masterchef host took to social media to share a picture of what appeared to be grey stone with simple message: “We are all different.”
Former BBC producer says industry culture shift needed amid Gregg Wallace claims
18:03
Naomi Clarke
A former senior BBC TV producer has said the media industry needs to create a culture where “everybody says it’s just not acceptable to make people feel uncomfortable” after a host of allegations have been made against TV presenter Gregg Wallace.
Lorraine Heggessey, the first female controller of BBC One, told BBC Breakfast: “This is the latest in a long line of presenters behaving badly and making particularly junior staff on a production feel really uncomfortable about what they’re saying or doing, and we need to, as an industry, draw a line.
“It’s not just a BBC problem, I think it’s an industry-wide problem.”
Inside Gregg Wallace’s rocky love life with four wives as he exits MasterChef amid misconduct claims
16:59
Greg Evans
Wallace, who – among other complaints – has been accused by former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark of making jokes of a “sexualised nature” when she was competing on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011, has previously said he resents any insinuation he was “flirting” with someone who is not his wife Anna, 37.
“I say this for my wife Anna, who I’ve been true to and madly in love with since the day I met her,” he told his Instagram followers in October. “I don’t want anybody to misunderstand this and make it look like I was flirting with somebody. Nobody accused me of that and I never have.”
Wallace met his fourth wife, real name Anne-Marie Sterpini, when she tweeted him a question about rhubarb in 2013. “I just looked at Anna’s photo and thought ‘wow. She’s pretty,” the former greengrocer told Hello! of the encounter.
Further accusations made against MasterChef star Gregg Wallace
16:00
Charlotte McLaughlin
Further accusations have been made against TV presenter Gregg Wallace in the wake of him stepping away from hosting hit BBC show MasterChef while a review into complaints is carried out.
On Thursday, the cooking programme’s production company Banijay UK said the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to “historical allegations of misconduct” while working with Wallace.
He is “committed to fully co-operating throughout the process”, the company also said.
There were reports on Friday evening in news outlets such as The Sun newspaper about other alleged behaviour by Wallace.
Banijay UK confirmed on Saturday it had appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead an investigation into Wallace’s alleged behaviour.
Wallace shares ‘health’ video in fresh Instagram activity
15:36
Greg Evans
Wallace has shared a new post on Instagram amid the allegations against himself. The 60-year-old shared a video, that was originally posted five weeks ago on his “Gregg Wallace Health” account.
In the post, he wrote: “We should all be concerned about our health… but not enough of us are because we’re “too busy” with work, with socialising, with going on holidays. If and when you get sick from years of not looking after yourself, there won’t be any time for any of the things that kept you busy in the first place. Put your health first and give yourself more time to do the things you love.”
Emma Kennedy claims she reported Wallace 12 years ago
15:08
Greg Evans
In a statement, former Celebrity MasterChef winner Emma Kennedy claimed that she made a complaint about Wallace in 2012.
Kennedy claims that she witnessed Wallace use inappropriate conduct towards another woman who was working on the show, reports The Sun.
The actor and lawyer wrote on BlueSky: “For the record, I complained about behaviour I witnessed on MasterChef in 2012. They knew then. They knew before then and they’ve known since.”
Masterchef producer hire top law firm to lead investigation
14:04
Holly Evans
MasterChef producer Banijay UK has announced the appointment of law firm Lewis Silkin to lead the investigation into alleged misconduct by presenter Gregg Wallace during filming of the BBC cooking show.
The production company had revealed complaints were made to the BBC by individuals in relation to “historical allegations of misconduct” while working with Wallace.
A Banijay UK spokesperson said: “Lewis Silkin is a major City law firm with a highly experienced specialist investigations team which has overseen a broad range of high-profile workplace investigations.
“Banijay UK has been impressed by the firm’s rigorous, in-depth, and impartial analysis and reporting.”
They said anyone wishing to raise further concerns could contact the investigation team via atbanijayinvestigation@lewissilkin.com.
The spokesperson added: “All information will be handled sensitively, and names of those providing evidence to the team will be kept confidential.”
Banijay UK said earlier this week that Wallace is “committed to fully co-operating throughout the process”.
From troubled childhood to troubling reputation, this TV stalwart is facing self-destruction
13:30
Holly Evans
Gregg Wallace was always an unlikely TV star. Prematurely bald, stout, and the proud wearer of thick glasses, he seemed destined for an unglamorous life amid the vegetable stalls of the capital, rather than on TV screens across the country.
And yet, the presenter, who today has stepped back from his role as a judge on MasterChef after a series of historic sexual misconduct allegations came to light, has made himself part of the furniture at the BBC.
And that makes his rapid fall from grace even more troubling for the corporation, though Wallace’s lawyers say it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.
Read the full analysis from Nick Hilton here:
Production company to investigate accusations
12:38
Holly Evans
After allegations raised by staff members about Wallace’s behaviour on Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends to BBC News, Channel 5 asked the programme’s production company Rumpus Media to look into the accusations.
Rumpus Media said: “We do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour on our productions.
“Our comprehensive duty of care processes were in place during production of these series and any matters raised would have been investigated in accordance with these.”
Who is celebrity chef Gregg Wallace?
11:52
Holly Evans
Mr Wallace, 60, is best known for co-presenting MasterChef alongside John Torode since 2005, as well as its spin-offs Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.
He was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has also featured on Eat Well For Less, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest, and Supermarket Secrets.
He was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022 for his services to food and charity. Mr Wallace took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and was partnered with Aliona Vilani.
He has two children, Tom and Libby, from a former relationship. He married Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2016 and the couple have a son called Sid.
Inside Gregg Wallace’s rocky love life with four wives as he exits MasterChef amid misconduct claims
11:10
Holly Evans
Gregg Wallace will step away from presenting MasterChef while new complaints made by individuals about historical allegations of misconduct are investigated.
The presenter, 60, known for his colourful on-camera quips was previously accused of making sexually inappropriate comments to a female BBC colleague in 2018, and was forced to quit Inside the Factory over “inappropriate” remarks allegedly made to female staff last year, which he denies.
Wallace, who – among other complaints – has been accused by former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark of making jokes of a “sexualised nature” when she was competing on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011, has previously said he resents any insinuation he was “flirting” with someone who is not his wife Anna, 37.
Read the full article here:
Watch: Ex-BBC chief says stars 'got away with all sorts' amid Gregg Wallace probe
10:01
Athena Stavrou
Wallace posts cryptic Instagram message to social media
09:51
Holly Evans
Gregg Wallace has taken to social media in the wake of allegations made against him, including that he made a number of inappropriate and sexualised comments towards colleagues.
Sharing to Instagram, the Masterchef presenter posted a photo of a gingerbread man with the caption ‘Enjoy your weekend’.
Wallace left the BBC programme on Thursday (28 November) amid claims made by 13 people who worked with him on shows over a 17-year period.
Gregg Wallace dropped by autism charity
09:26
Holly Evans
Presenter Gregg Wallace has been dropped from an autism charity in the wake of allegations that he made inappropriate comments to colleagues.
He was announced as an ambassador to Ambitious about Autism after his son Sid, four, was diagnosed with the condition.
An Ambitious about Autism spokesperson said: “In light of recent allegations, we are no longer working with Gregg Wallace.
“We have let him know our decision and thanked him for his support of our work over the last two years.”
Wallace ‘fully cooperating’ with production company review
09:01
Athena Stavrou
Gregg Wallace is “committed to fully co-operating” with an external review by MasterChef’s production company, Banijay UK.
A statement by the company said: “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.
“Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.
“While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process.
“Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.
“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”
Who is celebrity chef Gregg Wallace?
08:00
Athena Stavrou
Mr Wallace, 60, is best known for co-presenting MasterChef alongside John Torode since 2005, as well as its spin-offs Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.
He was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has also featured on Eat Well For Less, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest, and Supermarket Secrets.
He was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022 for his services to food and charity. Mr Wallace took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and was partnered with Aliona Vilani.
He has two children, Tom and Libby, from a former relationship. He married Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2016 and the couple have a son called Sid.
Watch: Gregg Wallace and Kirsty Wark clash in MasterChef kitchen in resurfaced clip
07:00
Athena Stavrou
Ex-’Celeb MasterChef’ star says Gregg Wallace has ‘never really grown up’
06:02
Athena Stavrou
How Clean is Your House star Aggie MacKenzie says Gregg Wallace “behaved like a sort of Sid James character” when she was on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011.
MacKenzie compared Wallace to the characters played by James in the Carry On films while addressing the BBC’s investigation into inappropriate comments he’s alleged to have made over a 17-year period.
“He made stupid, unfunny jokes that people kind of had to tolerate,” Mackenzie told Times Radio, adding: “It’s as if he’s never really grown up or been properly supervised and told to kind of watch what he’s saying.”
She said that Wallace and his former co-host John Torode “behave very differently” when cameras aren’t rolling.
“I observed that when the cameras were off, they would go to separate ends of the room. They didn’t really communicate or have a connection off screen.”
What allegations are Wallace facing?
05:00
Athena Stavrou
Wallace has stepped down from MasterChef amid allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
Among those alleging misconduct is former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, who claimed Mr Wallace told “sexualised” jokes during filming of a Celebrity MasterChef episode in 2011.
“There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people and it wasn’t as if anyone engaged with this,” she said.
Wallace allegedly also talked openly about his sex life and once told a junior female colleague he wasn’t wearing any underwear under his jeans, according to the BBC News investigation.
The Independent has contacted Wallace’s representatives for comment. A BBC spokesperson said “any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated”.
Downing Street said allegations about Gregg Wallace were “deeply concerning”.
04:00
Athena Stavrou
A Number 10 spokesman said: “The allegations made are deeply concerning regarding today’s reporting.
“It’s right that a thorough investigation is conducted, but this of course is one for the BBC and you will have seen their statement saying that they ‘take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place’.
“While that process is underway it wouldn’t be right for me to comment. I believe the BBC is currently undertaking a workplace culture review to deliver clear and timely recommendations, and it’s essential that staff and the wider public have confidence that the BBC takes these issues seriously.”
Watch: Gregg Wallace quizzes Penny Lancaster on Rod Stewart in resurfaced MasterChef clip
02:00
Athena Stavrou
Katy Brand responds after Gregg Wallace’s lewd comment resurfaces
00:30
Athena Stavrou
Katy Brand has spoken out after a resurfaced MasterChef clip showed Gregg Wallace directed a “crass” innuendo her way.
On Thursday (28 November), it was revealed that Wallace had stepped down as host of the BBC cookery series amid an investigation into alleged inappropriate comments made across a 17-year period.
Since news broke of the scandal, several stars to have appeared on Celebrity MasterChef, including former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark and Geordie Shore’s Charlotte Crosby, have hit out at the host for alleged remarks they heard when they were filming episodes.
One lewd comment made by Wallace occurred in 2013, directed at comedian Brand, actually made it to air – and has gone viral in the wake of the news.
See Brand’s response here:
From troubled childhood to troubling reputation, this TV stalwart is facing self-destruction
Friday 29 November 2024 23:00
Athena Stavrou
The greengrocer-turned-presenter is stepping back from ‘MasterChef’ while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated.
The Independent’s chief TV critic Nick Hilton looks back on his career as an unlikely TV star, which followed a tough start in life.
Watch: Gregg Wallace and Kirsty Wark clash in MasterChef kitchen in resurfaced clip
Friday 29 November 2024 22:00
Athena Stavrou
Sir Rod Stewart calls Gregg Wallace a ‘bully’
Friday 29 November 2024 21:00
Athena Stavrou
Sir Rod Stewart has hit out at “bully” Gregg Wallace for allegedly “humiliating” his wife when she was on MasterChef.
The musician’s claims arrive after it was announced Wallace had stepped down from the BBC cookery competition following allegations of inappropriate sexual comments over several years.
In the wake of the news that the BBC was investigating Wallace’s behaviour, Stewart shared a post in which he claimed the host treated Penny Lancaster in a nasty manner when she was on the show in 2021.
More here:
Poor behaviour ‘will not be tolerated’, BBC says
Friday 29 November 2024 20:00
Athena Stavrou
A BBC spokesman said: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.
“We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.
“Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”
Downing Street said allegations about Gregg Wallace were “deeply concerning”.
Friday 29 November 2024 19:00
Athena Stavrou
A Number 10 spokesman said: “The allegations made are deeply concerning regarding today’s reporting.
“It’s right that a thorough investigation is conducted, but this of course is one for the BBC and you will have seen their statement saying that they ‘take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place’.
“While that process is underway it wouldn’t be right for me to comment. I believe the BBC is currently undertaking a workplace culture review to deliver clear and timely recommendations, and it’s essential that staff and the wider public have confidence that the BBC takes these issues seriously.”
Watch: Ex-BBC chief says stars 'got away with all sorts' amid Gregg Wallace probe
Friday 29 November 2024 18:00
Athena Stavrou
Masterchef food critic William Sitwell breaks silence on allegations
Friday 29 November 2024 16:54
Athena Stavrou
The Telegraph’s restaurant critic William Sitwell said he was “astonished” at the allegations being made against Wallace in a comment piece in the newspaper.
He wrote: “Interesting, funny, exhausting and outrageous, is the Gregg I know. I gather his colleagues at MasterChef and the production company are as astonished as I am about the news.
“And I’m sure we all hope this force of nature will be back on set sooner than you can say, as his catchphrase goes, ‘buttery biscuit base’.”
Penny Lancaster breaks silence after husband, Rod Stewart, accused Gregg of bullying her
Friday 29 November 2024 16:42
Athena Stavrou
Penny Lancaster has spoken out after her husband, Rod Stewart, accused Gregg Wallance of bullying her in a dramatic social media post.
Stewart took to Instagram on Thursday to accuse Wallace of “humiliating” his wife and then having the footage “cut” when she was a contestant on the celebrity version of Masterchef in 2021.
A spokesperson for Penny Lancaster has now said she is happy to “talk to the appropriate authorities” after the host stepped down from the BBC show.
A spokesperson told the MailOnline: ‘While Penny is happy to talk to the appropriate authorities should they feel she has anything useful to add, she will not be discussing the matter with any broadcaster or newspaper at this time.’
Former BBC producer says industry culture shift needed amid Gregg Wallace claims
Friday 29 November 2024 16:25
Athena Stavrou
A former senior BBC TV producer has said the media industry needs to create a culture where “everybody says it’s just not acceptable to make people feel uncomfortable” after a host of allegations have been made against TV presenter Gregg Wallace.
The 60-year-old faces accusations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News.
Lorraine Heggessey, the first female controller of BBC One, told BBC Breakfast: “This is the latest in a long line of presenters behaving badly and making particularly junior staff on a production feel really uncomfortable about what they’re saying or doing, and we need to, as an industry, draw a line.
“It’s not just a BBC problem, I think it’s an industry-wide problem.”
Who is celebrity chef Gregg Wallace?
Friday 29 November 2024 15:59
Athena Stavrou
Mr Wallace, 60, is best known for co-presenting MasterChef alongside John Torode since 2005, as well as its spin-offs Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.
He was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has also featured on Eat Well For Less, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest, and Supermarket Secrets.
He was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022 for his services to food and charity. Mr Wallace took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and was partnered with Aliona Vilani.
He has two children, Tom and Libby, from a former relationship. He married Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2016 and the couple have a son called Sid.
Katy Brand responds after Gregg Wallace’s lewd comment resurfaces
Friday 29 November 2024 15:24
Jacob Stolworthy
Katy Brand has spoken out after a resurfaced MasterChef clip showed Gregg Wallace directed a “crass” innuendo her way.
On Thursday (28 November), it was revealed that Wallace had stepped down as host of the BBC cookery series amid an investigation into alleged inappropriate comments made across a 17-year period.
Since news broke of the scandal, several stars to have appeared on Celebrity MasterChef, including former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark and Geordie Shore’s Charlotte Crosby, have hit out at the host for alleged remarks they heard when they were filming episodes.
One lewd comment made by Wallace occurred in 2013, directed at comedian Brand, actually made it to air – and has gone viral in the wake of the news.
See Brand’s response here:
Rod Stewart brands Gregg Wallace ‘ill-mannered bully’
Friday 29 November 2024 14:15
Jacob Stolworthy
Sir Rod Stewart has accused Masterchef host Gregg Wallace of humiliating his wife after she was reduced to tears on his show three years ago.
Sir Rod branded Mr Wallace, 60, a “tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully” following Penny Lancaster’s appearance on an episode in which the celebrity chef refused to eat her food in 2021.
Writing on Instagram, Sir Rod said: “So Gregg Wallace gets fired from Masterchef. Good riddance Wallace.
“You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that bit cut out didn’t you?
“You’re a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya. Sir Rod Stewart.”
Inside Gregg Wallace’s rocky love life
Friday 29 November 2024 13:52
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
The greengrocer-turned-presenter is stepping back from ‘MasterChef’ while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated.
Wallace, who has been married four times, has previously said he resents any insinuation he was “flirting” with someone who is not his wife Anna, 37, in relation to claims made against him.
Read more about the TV stalwart’s colourful relationship history below:
Gregg Wallace makes lewd comment to Katy Brand in resurfaced clip
Friday 29 November 2024 11:45
Jacob Stolworthy
A lewd comment Gregg Wallace made on MasterChef has being dredged up in the wake of the allegations against him.
Wallace left the BBC programme on Thursday (28 November) amid claims made by 13 people who worked with him on shows over a 17-year period.
In a 2013 episode of the BBC cookery competition, Wallace made a sexual reference while assessing a tart made by comedian Katy Brand, which led her to confusedly ask: “Excuse me?”
Greg James fans are wondering the same thing after Wallace accusations
Friday 29 November 2024 11:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Over the years, Gregg Wallace has been a regular focus by DJ Greg James on his Radio 1 show.
James has comedically factored Wallace into several segments – and his listeners are now wondering if James will address the allegations against the MasterChef host.
Another ‘Celebrity MasterChef’ star speaks out against Gregg Wallace
Friday 29 November 2024 10:35
Jacob Stolworthy
TV personality Charlotte Crosby has claimed that Gregg Wallace was “extremely unpleasant” to her on Celebrity MasterChef.
The Geordie Shore alum made the allegation in response to Rod Stewart’s scathing post, in which he branded the host a “bully” for his alleged treatment of his wife Penny Lancaster when she appeared on the BBC series.
Gregg Wallace thanks public for support in statement
Friday 29 November 2024 10:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Gregg Wallace has posted on Instagram thanking people for “showing their support” after he stepped away from presenting BBC MasterChef following allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments.
“I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support,”
Wallace said in the video, posted on his account.“That’s good of you, thank you very much,” he added.
The 60-year-old faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News which said it sent a letter to the TV star’s representatives earlier this week.
Ex-’Celeb MasterChef’ star says Gregg Wallace has ‘never really grown up’
Friday 29 November 2024 09:35
Jacob Stolworthy
How Clean is Your House star Aggie MacKenzie says Gregg Wallace “behaved like a sort of Sid James character” when she was on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011.
MacKenzie compared Wallace to the characters played by James in the Carry On films while addressing the BBC’s investigation into inappropriate comments he’s alleged to have made over a 17-year period.
“He made stupid, unfunny jokes that people kind of had to tolerate,” Mackenzie told Times Radio, adding: “It’s as if he’s never really grown up or been properly supervised and told to kind of watch what he’s saying.”
She said that Wallace and his former co-host John Torode “behave very differently” when cameras aren’t rolling.
“I observed that when the cameras were off, they would go to separate ends of the room. They didn’t really communicate or have a connection off screen.”
Kirsty Wark claims Wallace made ‘sexualised jokes’
Friday 29 November 2024 09:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Former BBC Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark has claimed Wallace told “sexualised” jokes during filming of a Celebrity Masterchef episode in 2011.
“There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people and it wasn’t as if anyone engaged with this,” she said.
“It was completely one-way traffic. But I think people were uncomfortable and something that I really did not expect to happen.”
Ulrika Jonsson makes ‘rape joke’ claim
Friday 29 November 2024 08:35
Jacob Stolworthy
Ulrika Jonsson has claimed that Gregg Wallace made a “rape joke” while filming Celebrity MasterChef in 2017.
Jonsson said that another female contestant, whom she didn’t know, became “really distressed” after the alleged comment.
“They then went off to speak to Gregg,” Jonsson told The Telegraph. “After a while he came up…and he apologised. He could hardly get his words out... He was apologising, and he had tears in his eyes.”
