Latest news with #BanijayUK
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Gregg Wallace turns to TikTok to revive his career after BBC investigation into claims of inappropriate sexual comments
A BBC investigation last month revealed 13 individuals had made allegations of inappropriate sexual comments by him during his time at the channel. And now, Gregg Wallace has turned to TikTok to help revive his career as he uses the Gen Z platform to share recipes, health tips and cash in on his wellness website. The former MasterChef host, 60, has begun pushing the Free Resource Hub on his website, GreggWallace Health, which is one of his remaining sources of income after he was axed from the BBC in November. In several videos over the past week, Wallace has said: 'I wanted to tell you something that I'm pleased about and it's free, it's got loads of good recipes you can look at, it's got blogs and even a little quiz.' On his website, Wallace is still described as 'a popular television presenter' while his caterer wife, Anne-Marie, 37, is the 'recipe curator'. Customers can pay £11.99 per month, £49.99 for six months or £89.99 for a year to get full access to the GreggWallace Health tools which include recipes, health specialist advice and a 'vibrant community'. The couple, who run the website together, have recently added a feature in which customers can buy ready meals for £8 or a bundle of eight for £80. The 60-year-old stepped away from hosting BBC cooking competition MasterChef after a host of historical complaints came to light last year, which led to an external investigation by the show's production company, Banijay UK. The former greengrocer said he felt last year he 'Had to speak out because people were saying what they liked about me and it wasn't true' after he was criticised for saying on social media that the complaints were made by 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. But the father of three has since returned to social media and is now on TikTok promoting his healthy lifestyle. He is particularly attentive to fans in the comment section and posts a TikTok video each morning showing inside the kitchen of his countryside pile in Kent. The former BBC star talks about 'contemplating the day ahead' before going to the gym at 6am and having breakfast with his wife and their four-year-old son, Sid. Under a video in which he asks viewers, 'What are you excited about today', one fan wrote, 'Hope you're doing ok mate', in reference to his recent axing from the BBC after multiple complaints of harassment were made, to which Wallace replied, 'Recovering slowly'. It's now almost three months since the greengrocer-turned-television star's career spectacularly derailed amid a flurry of claims of inappropriate behaviour during his 19-year stint as co-host of MasterChef. It was announced the father-of-three would be stepping back from the BBC show amid an investigation into his conduct. It later emerged that 13 individuals, including Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, had reportedly accused him of 'wrong' and 'sexualised' behaviour during filming across a range of shows over a 17-year period. The London-born presenter called the accusations he had groped crew members 'absolutely not true'. Wallace also said he was 'very slow to wake up to the changing nature of the work environment' and added he had a 'massive wake-up call' seven years ago that his 'energetic greengrocer persona' was 'becoming redundant'. His lawyers previously told the BBC 'It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. The BBC previously said the corporation will not 'tolerate behaviour that falls below the standards we expect' and will continue to champion 'a culture that is kind, inclusive and respectful '. Two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials were pulled from the BBC's schedule in December 2024. Banijay UK previously said it continues to regularly update and strengthen its 'MasterChef welfare processes'. The MasterChef producer declined to comment on Wallace's interview when contacted by the PA news agency. Food critic Grace Dent will judge the forthcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside Wallace's long-standing presenting partner John Torode. Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123 or by emailing jo@ Other sources of support are listed on the NHS 'help for suicidal thoughts' webpage. Support is available around the clock, every day of the year.
Daily Record
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Gregg Wallace given shock diagnosis and says 'it explains a lot' after sexual misconduct scandal
Gregg Wallace has opened up about a shocking diagnosis he received amidst accusations of sexual misconduct last year. The ex-MasterChef judge revealed that he was diagnosed with autism during the peak of the scandal, stating: "It does explain a hell of a lot to me." The 60-year-old shared that his diagnosis came after his notorious Instagram story response to the allegations, where he pointed fingers at "middle-class women of a certain age". Speaking to the The Daily Mail after, he admitted: "My world tumbled in. At this point my name is being linked with Jimmy Savile and Huw Edwards. "The abuse on social media is just phenomenal and the stuff hitting the papers was... (sic) I think it's vital there are channels open for vulnerable people to complain if they are being bullied, harassed or made to feel uncomfortable, but the system hasn't been perfected. It doesn't work if the person is a public figure and everything becomes a public trial." He continued: "Crying out loud, I had no idea where all these people were coming from. Then I went completely wild and blamed it all on middle-class women. It was the biggest mistake but, by far, the best thing I could have done." According to Wallace, this blunder led someone from the MasterChef production team to finally reach out to him. He felt left without support amidst the surge of allegations, Bristol Live reports. He recalled: "He was the first person I'd spoken to in days. Nobody should be left on their own to face something like this. It's very difficult to explain the pressure unless you've been through it. "I thought about suicide all the time: 'Is my insurance up to date? Will Anna get some money? She doesn't deserve this. It would be better if I wasn't here.' The MasterChef exec said, 'Mate, what are you doing?' "I told him I had to speak out because people were saying what they liked about me and it wasn't true. I said, 'It just keeps on and on. What am I supposed to do?'" Recognising his struggles, Banijay UK, the production firm behind MasterChef, set Wallace up with a crisis mentor. Wallace expressed deep gratitude towards the mentor, calling them "the life raft" he "clung to", and credited them for insisting upon a mental health screening which ultimately led to his autism diagnosis. He said: "I want to make it absolutely clear I'm not blaming my behaviour on my diagnosis, but it does explain a hell of a lot to me". Yet, Wallace also questioned why, if his television persona had been causing offence over the years, nobody confronted him about it until now. He said: "Although I'm still trying to compute why, if my persona on the telly was pi***ng so many people off for all those years, nobody told me at the time." Wallace said the diagnosis did not come as a surprise to those who know him. He said: "John and I had an argument over what was 'travelling' and what was 'going on holiday' because I couldn't get a definitive answer. This has been going on for two years because so many of the contestants say they went travelling but, to me, it sounds like they've been on holiday. "The producers are like, 'Mate, will you stay on the food?' I'm saying, 'No. I need to know what constitutes travelling. How long were you away? How many hotels?' John's like, 'Will you just f***ing drop it?'" The BBC is set to disclose the outcomes of its investigation into Wallace next month.
Edinburgh Live
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC's Gregg Wallace says 'it explains a lot' after receiving life-changing diagnosis
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Gregg Wallace has revealed that amidst last year's sexual misconduct claims, he was shaken by a personal revelation. Speaking to The Daily Mail, the former MasterChef judge disclosed that during the turmoil, he was diagnosed with autism, remarking: "It does explain a hell of a lot to me." The culinary star, aged 60, linked his diagnosis to the period following his notorious Instagram story in which he attributed the allegations to "middle-class women of a certain age." According to his interview with The Daily Mail, he reflected on the impact of the scandal saying, "My world tumbled in." He elaborated on the intense public scrutiny he faced, mentioning how his name was put alongside Jimmy Savile and Huw Edwards, coupled with the sheer volume of online vitriol and sensational media coverage. Wallace expressed his concerns about the current mechanisms for vulnerable individuals to raise complaints of bullying or harassment, noting the shortcomings when those accused are in the public eye and subjected to what he terms a 'public trial., reports Bristol Live. He recounted his outburst during the crisis, "Crying out loud, I had no idea where all these people were coming from. Then I went completely wild and blamed it all on middle-class women. It was the biggest mistake but, by far, the best thing I could have done." This blast, as Wright explained, proved paradoxically beneficial as it prompted a response from someone on the MasterChef team, who finally reached out to him. He indicated that prior to this, he felt abandoned amidst the flood of accusations. "He was the first person I'd spoken to in days. Nobody should be left on their own to face something like this. It's very difficult to explain the pressure unless you've been through it. I thought about suicide all the time: 'Is my insurance up to date? Will Anna get some money? She doesn't deserve this. It would be better if I wasn't here.'". "The MasterChef exec said, 'Mate, what are you doing?'". "I told him I had to speak out because people were saying what they liked about me and it wasn't true. I said, 'It just keeps on and on. What am I supposed to do?'". In light of his struggles, Banijay UK, the company behind MasterChef, stepped in to provide Wallace with a crisis mentor. Wallace found solace in the mentor, who he referred to as "the life raft" he "clung to" and who encouraged him to undergo a mental health evaluation. The outcome of this assessment led to a diagnosis of autism. "I want to make it absolutely clear I'm not blaming my behaviour on my diagnosis, but it does explain a hell of a lot to me," Wallace clarified. He also expressed confusion over why his television persona, which seemed to irritate many for years, was never brought to his attention earlier. The revelation of his condition didn't come as a shock to those close to him. Wallace recounted a prolonged debate with John about the difference between 'travelling' and 'going on holiday,' a distinction that baffled him due to the varied descriptions from contestants, which sounded more like holidays than actual travel. "The producers are like, 'Mate, will you stay on the food?' I'm saying, 'No. I need to know what constitutes travelling. How long were you away? How many hotels?' John's like, 'Will you just f***ing drop it?'". The results of the BBC's probe into Wallace are anticipated to be made public next month.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC must take quicker action when staff step out of line, report says
BBC must take quicker action when staff step out of line, report says BBC must take quicker action when staff step out of line, report says The BBC does not have a 'toxic' workplace culture but needs to take quicker action when staff step out of line, a new report will say. The corporation should be intervening earlier as well as being clearer on the standards of behaviour expected from staff, the workplace culture review is understood to conclude. The review, led by management consultant Grahame Russell, was launched in the wake of the furore over disgraced former newsreader Huw Edwards and is understood to rule out the presence of a toxic culture but found that improvements can be made. It is believed the review, on 'preventing abuse of power and ensuring everyone at the BBC conducts themselves in line' with its values, will also set out what the corporation expects from staff. ADVERTISEMENT A BBC source said: 'This report is a pivotal moment for the BBC. It's a strong report, following a huge amount of work. There are clear, practical recommendations for change that the BBC will embrace. 'All organisations face challenges and the BBC is no exception. Now is the opportunity to deliver real change.' It is understood to be viewed as a reset on the BBC's culture and the corporation is expected to accept the report's recommendations in full. The reforms include improving how concerns and cases are managed, being able to spot issues earlier, more training and support and changing what should be expected in staff behaviour and conduct. It comes following former footballer Jermaine Jenas being sacked in 2024 from The One Show after he admitted sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues, and concerns voiced by Strictly Come Dancing contestants about the duty of care on the series. ADVERTISEMENT Last year also saw Gregg Wallace step away from hosting BBC cooking competition MasterChef after historical complaints came to light, and the show's production company, Banijay UK, launch an external investigation. On Saturday, Wallace called for the 'space to heal' following his lawyers previously telling BBC News 'it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. The workplace review is set to also show the progress made on Change Associates' recommendations after they led the work on the BBC's 2013 'respect at work' report. When the BBC announced the appointment of Mr Russell's company, Change Associates, in October 2024, the corporation said it would look at how it can make sure 'the consequences of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power are understood by everyone' and issues are dealt with promptly. After staff attend a call with BBC chairman Samir Shah, director-general Tim Davie and Baroness Helena Kennedy, chairwoman of the board of the newly created Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), at 11am on Monday the report will be published. ADVERTISEMENT In February 2024, the BBC apologised to the family of the young person at the centre of the Edwards furore, and a report found a need for 'greater consistency' in how complaints at the corporation are processed. That same year, the BBC guidelines on relationships in the workplace were updated. They warn staff that using 'celebrity status' to influence people to make a decision in your favour is an 'abuse of power', and highlighted concerns over 'signs or evidence of potential grooming'. Former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards was sentenced to six months' imprisonment suspended for two years (Lucy North/PA) Following the update being published, Edwards admitted a separate incident to the 2023 BBC complaint. He was handed a suspended prison sentence in September last year after pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. Mr Shah has admitted the former news presenter's conviction has damaged the reputation of the BBC, and the corporation is seeking the estimated £200,000 salary Edwards was paid between his arrest and leaving the corporation in April 2024. ADVERTISEMENT Earlier this year, a BBC review found a number of people 'felt unable to raise' concerns about Russell Brand when he was a radio presenter at the corporation. The BBC Board also apologised in January after a review found it 'did not take adequate action' upon learning about concerns regarding the behaviour of veteran DJ Tim Westwood. Comedian and actor Brand, and ex-BBC Radio 1 presenter Westwood, both deny any wrongdoing or inappropriate behaviour. They both stopped working at the corporation more than a decade ago.
The Herald Scotland
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
BBC must take quicker action when staff step out of line, report says
The review, led by management consultant Grahame Russell, was launched in the wake of the furore over disgraced former newsreader Huw Edwards and is understood to rule out the presence of a toxic culture but found that improvements can be made. It is believed the review, on 'preventing abuse of power and ensuring everyone at the BBC conducts themselves in line' with its values, will also set out what the corporation expects from staff. A BBC source said: 'This report is a pivotal moment for the BBC. It's a strong report, following a huge amount of work. There are clear, practical recommendations for change that the BBC will embrace. 'All organisations face challenges and the BBC is no exception. Now is the opportunity to deliver real change.' It is understood to be viewed as a reset on the BBC's culture and the corporation is expected to accept the report's recommendations in full. The reforms include improving how concerns and cases are managed, being able to spot issues earlier, more training and support and changing what should be expected in staff behaviour and conduct. It comes following former footballer Jermaine Jenas being sacked in 2024 from The One Show after he admitted sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues, and concerns voiced by Strictly Come Dancing contestants about the duty of care on the series. Last year also saw Gregg Wallace step away from hosting BBC cooking competition MasterChef after historical complaints came to light, and the show's production company, Banijay UK, launch an external investigation. On Saturday, Wallace called for the 'space to heal' following his lawyers previously telling BBC News 'it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. The workplace review is set to also show the progress made on Change Associates' recommendations after they led the work on the BBC's 2013 'respect at work' report. When the BBC announced the appointment of Mr Russell's company, Change Associates, in October 2024, the corporation said it would look at how it can make sure 'the consequences of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power are understood by everyone' and issues are dealt with promptly. After staff attend a call with BBC chairman Samir Shah, director-general Tim Davie and Baroness Helena Kennedy, chairwoman of the board of the newly created Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), at 11am on Monday the report will be published. In February 2024, the BBC apologised to the family of the young person at the centre of the Edwards furore, and a report found a need for 'greater consistency' in how complaints at the corporation are processed. That same year, the BBC guidelines on relationships in the workplace were updated. They warn staff that using 'celebrity status' to influence people to make a decision in your favour is an 'abuse of power', and highlighted concerns over 'signs or evidence of potential grooming'. Former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards was sentenced to six months' imprisonment suspended for two years (Lucy North/PA) Following the update being published, Edwards admitted a separate incident to the 2023 BBC complaint. He was handed a suspended prison sentence in September last year after pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. Mr Shah has admitted the former news presenter's conviction has damaged the reputation of the BBC, and the corporation is seeking the estimated £200,000 salary Edwards was paid between his arrest and leaving the corporation in April 2024. Earlier this year, a BBC review found a number of people 'felt unable to raise' concerns about Russell Brand when he was a radio presenter at the corporation. The BBC Board also apologised in January after a review found it 'did not take adequate action' upon learning about concerns regarding the behaviour of veteran DJ Tim Westwood. Comedian and actor Brand, and ex-BBC Radio 1 presenter Westwood, both deny any wrongdoing or inappropriate behaviour. They both stopped working at the corporation more than a decade ago.
