BBC Masterchef's Gregg Wallace's 'hooligan' past, health diagnosis and controversies

Wales Online

4 days ago

BBC Masterchef's Gregg Wallace's 'hooligan' past, health diagnosis and controversies
The TV presenter is facing allegations arising from his time on MasterChef, the new season of which airs tonight
Despite numerous allegations Gregg Wallace will be returning to our screens on BBC's MasterChef for one final season.
(Image: BBC)
In recent months Gregg Wallace has seen multiple controversies as the former MasterChef presenter was dismissed from his role with the BBC. However, this isn't his first run in with law as he has a past as a self-proclaimed football "hooligan".
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A recent investigation into the 60-year-old's conduct during his time on MasterChef substantiated 45 of 83 allegations levelled against him including one of "unwelcome physical contact" during his time on the cooking show. He expressed deep regret for the upset his actions caused, stating he "never set out to harm or humiliate".
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Despite being dismissed from his MasterChef hosting duties, a pre-recorded season of the show will be aired tonight, August 6 featuring Gregg and his co-host John Torode (who has also been dismissed).
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This will be the 21st season of the show, after the hosting duo joined the show in 2005. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
However, the pair met in the 90s when Gregg was working as a greengrocer. The presenter left school at 15 and started work as a warehouseman at Covent Garden fruit and veg market, where he sold vegetables. He later started George Allan's Greengrocers in 1989, a company that later grew to a turnover of £7.5 million at its peak.
Now, according to Celeb Worth, Gregg's overall net worth is an impressive £3.5 million. This is made up of his MasterChef salary as well as MasterChef-related work, such as endorsements or additional appearances. It's worth mentioning that he also generates income from other endeavours, like his event appearances, but the precise figures aren't publicly disclosed.
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In November 2024, Banijay UK, the show's production company, announced that Wallace would step down from his role on MasterChef while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.
The investigation, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, found that the "majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018" with only one allegation substantiated after 2018.
It was also concluded that the "majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour", adding that "a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated", with "one incident of unwelcome physical contact" also substantiated.
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The report highlighted that during the seven-month investigation, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and suggested that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity. You can read more here.
During the investigation, it was also discovered that "10 standalone allegations were made against other people, two of which were substantiated", relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language.
Banijay UK deemed "Wallace's return to MasterChef untenable" in light of the allegations. Patrick Holland, chief executive of Banijay UK, admitted that the report "makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures".
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He also acknowledged its value in providing "valuable insight to ensure that going forward everyone working on our productions feels safe and supported, and that inappropriate behaviour is quickly and professionally dealt with".
Mr Holland further noted: "In earlier years, specifically prior to 2016 where the vast majority of these issues arose, it is clear that escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been, and awareness of policies and procedures were lacking particularly amongst freelance staff."
He confirmed Wallace would not be returning to MasterChef, adding: "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.
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"MasterChef is a much-loved show which, year in, year out, changes the lives and careers of contestants, amateur and professional alike. It's made by a brilliant team of outstanding professionals and we look forward to bringing more exceptional cooking to screens in the coming months and years."
The BBC also said it has "informed" Wallace that it has "no plans to work with him in future", adding in a statement: "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.
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"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."
Gregg Wallace and John Torode have been the faces of the culinary show since its early days
(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
In response to the findings, Wallace released a statement to PA which read: "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.
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"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.
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"A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning. Banijay have given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake.
"To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. 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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Gregg Wallace was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the Princess Royal in 2023.
The investigation isn't Wallace's first run in with the law; as a young lad he engaged with football hooliganism as a well-known supporter of Millwall FC.
He previously spoken about the south London club's "fierce reputation", and how encounters with the police were commonplace.
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In a 2008 interview with Zoo magazine, the TV personality shared: "I was brought up in Peckham and went to Millwall regularly. Some of my friends from school grew up to be hooligans.
"Millwall had a fierce reputation at the time, which was well deserved. They had a large percentage of people that were able to cause havoc!"
He confessed: "I got arrested for assault when I was 20... but my Millwall days are long behind me.
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"I was a product of my area. Police were making hundreds of arrests at every home game back then. Getting nicked was like a social pastime!"
Despite leaving his hooligan days in the past, Wallace remains a devoted fan of the club. He even sports a large tattoo of Millwall's lion crest on his chest.