Latest news with #GreggWallace
Daily Mirror
24 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gregg Wallace and John Torode's MasterChef replacement favourites revealed
Gregg Wallace was axed from MasterChef following an investigation into Gregg's behaviour. John Torode was also sacked after law firm Lewis Silkin upheld a complaint that he used racist language Gregg Wallace and John Torode's 20-year run as the stars of MasterChef came to an end this month when it was revealed they were both axed from the BBC programme. Gregg, 60, initially stepped back from filming in November but has since been sacked from the show after an investigation upheld 45 out of 83 complaints against him. Not long after, co-star Torode was also sacked from MasterChef after law firm Lewis Silkin upheld a complaint that he used racist language eight years ago. While John denied the allegation and said he had "no recollection" of the incident happening, the BBC said that it takes the finding "extremely seriously". Following both stars' axes, there has been speculation on who could replace them for the future series of MasterChef. Food critic Grace Dent replaced Gregg for the Celebrity version of the show earlier this year. It is not yet known who will take on the role. According to the odds, Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt is the new 10/11 favourite to present the show. Andi Oliver is also a favourite to join the series. MasterChef could soon be serving up a "dream line-up" of presenters. Food critic Grace, Tom Kerridge and Chris Stark are also favourites to be on the show. Other names include Big Zuu, James Martin, Mel Giedroyc and Nigella Lawson. After the results of the investigation was released, John denied the allegations in a statement. He said: "Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld. "For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards. "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. "I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence." As previously reported, production company Banijay said: "The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. "This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef."
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Future of BBC licence fee thrown into fresh doubt as Keir Starmer says he's keeping an ‘open mind' on its future
THE future of the BBC licence fee was last night thrown into doubt as Sir Keir Starmer said he kept an 'open mind' about it. A review into the Corporation's charter is currently underway and is looking at areas including the funding model. 2 The compulsory £174.50 telly tax has come under criticism in an age of more competition from other broadcasters and streaming platforms. Culture Select Committee chair Dame Caroline Dineage yesterday challenged the PM on the future of the 'regressive tax'. The PM replied: 'We're going through the review and it'll obviously come to its conclusion, and we keep an open mind on what we need to do with the licence fee. "But we are working closely with the BBC.' The BBC has recently drawn anger from government over its handling of the Gregg Wallace scandal and its reporting on the war in Gaza. The broadcaster's annual report released earlier this month revealed competition from streaming services has created a "moment of real jeopardy for the sector". An estimated 300,000 households have stopped paying. The report revealed 23.8m licences were in force at the end of the year, down from 24.1m in 2023-24. When do you need a TV Licence? 2
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
MasterChef scandal timeline: Where did it all go wrong for the BBC show?
Over the course of nine months, the present and future of MasterChef has changed dramatically. Ever since reports emerged last autumn of misconduct allegations against presenter Gregg Wallace, the hit BBC show has been rocked by scandal and uncertainty. From historic claims to the TV star's 'middle-class women of a certain age' comment, a lost has happened over the past few months. Just a week ago, things took another turn when it was revealed his longtime co-star John Torode's contract isn't being renewed, with new presenters set to step in. Here's how we got to where we are today… Last autumn, Gregg Wallace was accused of making 'inappropriate sexual comments' while working on BBC game show Impossible Celebrities in 2018. He was also accused of being rude and insulting to women on another programme in 2023. At the time, he said on social media that the claims had been investigated by the BBC six years earlier, and that 'the outcome of that was that [he] hadn't said anything sexual'. The following month, further allegations emerged around various incidents on the MasterChef set, including claims he appeared almost 'completely naked'. At the time, he was announced he would be stepping away from the show as producer Banijay started an investigation into historical allegations of misconduct. This included one former production member who made a formal complaint about an incident from other a decade ago, claiming he held her head and thrust his body towards her, mimicking a sex act, while she knelt to clean a mark his trousers. He was also accused of sexual harassment on MasterChef, and allegations he was 'fascinated' by an unnamed woman on a separate travel show who happened to be a lesbian. The allegations were made by 13 people who worked with him over a variety of shows over 17 years. The BBC said that they take any complaints 'seriously' and that they 'have robust processes in place' for such situations, while Wallace's lawyers claimed it is 'entirely false' that he engages in a 'behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. Around the same time, in response to the reports, Sir Rod Stewart slammed Gregg and accused him of 'humiliating' his wife Penny Lancaster on the celebrity edition of MasterChef. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In December 2024, Gregg Wallace made his now-infamous statement hitting back at 'middle-class women of a certain age'. He said: 'I've been doing MasterChef for 20 years, amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef, and in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, different backgrounds, all walks of life. 'Apparently now, I'm reading in the paper, there's been 13 complaints in that time. 'In the newspaper, I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn't right.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video His statement was met with fierce backlash, and Wallace quickly apologised for his initial Instagram video. 'I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people,' he said. 'I wasn't in a good head space when I posted it. I've been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege when I posted it.' With the investigation underway, the BBC confirmed it was pulling the planned Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off special. A spokesperson said at the time: 'As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned. 'The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them.' Days later, Wallace had reportedly told friends he 'has lost everything' amid the investigation, according to The Sun. That same month, it was revealed Grace Dent would replace Wallace on the next edition of Celebrity MaterChef. 'I've been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa. My whole family watches it,' said the author and podcaster, who has been a guest on MasterChef in the past. She added: 'It's all about uncovering and championing talent – and to have ended up in this position, is more than a dream to me. 'I'm so excited that I can't eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic. I feel very lucky to be stepping in for the next Celebrity MasterChef.' Wallace's co-star John Torode added: 'I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.' In an interview with the Daily Mail published in April, Wallace said he believed it might be 'better' for his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini if he 'wasn't here'. After the interview was published, the 60-year-old TV presenter shared more thoughts on social media. He wrote on Instagram: 'I've said everything I needed to say in the interview with the Mail and meant every word. It was hard to do, but speaking honestly for myself, my family, and especially my mum, felt right. 'Right now, I don't want to add anything more. I've opened my heart, and that has to be enough. 'There will be a lot of noise, I get that, but I won't be joining in. I need space to heal and to be with the people who know who I really am.' Earlier this month, it was reported Wallace was planning legal action against the BBC and the MasterChef production team, claiming he faced discrimination due to his autism. It was revealed that 50 more people had approached the corporation with claims against him. 'Gregg is guilty of bad jokes and rough humour,' a source told The Telegraph. 'But so many people on the show talked openly about suspecting that he had autism for years before he got his diagnosis.' Days later, the findings of the investigation were revealed as 45 out of the 83 allegations against him were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact. In a statement to the PA news agency, Wallace said he was 'deeply sorry for any distress' his behaviour caused, adding that he 'never set out to harm or humiliate' anyone. He continued: '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.' Days after the findings were announced, it was reported John Torode had been sacked from MasterChef. There had been reports he was accused of using racist language, and the BBC and Banijay UK confirmed his contract will not be renewed. Torode took to social media and wrote: 'Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of.' A Banijay spokesperson said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.' And a BBC spokesperson added: 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. 'We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Over the weekend, it was reported that Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt is set to join MasterChef. More Trending According to The Sun, he will be joined by Great British Menu chef Andi Oliver. A source said: 'Matt is seen as a really safe pair of hands by the BBC. He has been in the frame for some time and is now being lined up for MasterChef. View More » 'The BBC are keen to bring Andi Oliver on board too. She has been so popular as host of the Great British Menu.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Who will replace John Torode and Gregg Wallace on MasterChef? The latest updates MORE: Lisa Faulkner reveals secret to long marriage with John Torode as MasterChef scandal rages on MORE: Acclaimed thriller hailed as a 'masterpiece' now available to stream
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC director-general Tim Davie is on 'last strike' after series of scandals - but corporation wants to save him
BBC director-general Tim Davie is on his 'last strike' after a series of scandals has plunged the BBC into chaos but the Corporation is determined to save him, sources have claimed. The Corporation is facing serious questions after it came under attack on three fronts this week. And while there is widespread feeling Davie is one scandal away from losing his high-profile role, a former executive told The Sunday Times that the BBC has deployed 'Operation Save Tim'. On Monday, the BBC was forced to admit that its documentary about children in Gaza had breached editorial guidelines by failing to disclose that the narrator was the son of a senior Hamas official. Hours later, a damning probe into Gregg Wallace 's behaviour on MasterChef was published, with 45 out of 83 complaints, including one count of 'unwanted physical contact', upheld. The report also upheld two out of 10 complaints - relating to swearing and racist language - made into other individuals, who were not identified. That was until the BBC was thrown into another crisis when Wallace's co-host John Torode publicly declared that he was the individual who had used racist language. Torode, 59, was sacked on Tuesday in a move he claims the BBC had not made him aware of. He said he was 'seeing and reading' he had been dropped from the show and had 'no recollection' of making a racist comment. In the following days, it was reported that he had used the N-word at a filming wrap part in 2019 while singing along to Gold Digger by Kanye West. But the investigation is understood to have upheld a separate complaint made the year prior when he used the same racist word on the MasterChef set. A BBC News report claims the racial slur was directed towards a MasterChef staff member. The Gaza documentary and MasterChef scandals add to a tumultuous period for the BBC, who also came under fire for their handling of the live streaming of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set last month. The band sparked a backlash after leading chants of 'death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] during a live broadcast on the BBC. The BBC also said it will no longer broadcast live performances deemed 'high risk' – as Bob Vylan had been assessed – and its director of music, Lorna Clarke, also reportedly stepped back from her day-to-day duties. The corporation issued an apology after the Bob Vylan set at Glastonbury, saying: 'We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. 'We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC. After Glastonbury, which Davie attended, culture secretary Lisa Nandy told parliament there was a 'problem of leadership' at the BBC. But BBC chair Samir Shah has doubled down on his support for the director-general, insisting Davie 'has shown strength, confidence and decisive leadership in a very challenging environment'. Another insider claimed his position with some board members was 'more precarious than people realise' after the Glastonbury scandal, but this was disputed by a source close to the board who insisted they were backing him. While the scandals alone would not be enough to see Davie sacked, the revolving door of scandals has raised huge questions about the management of the BBC. It also comes at a time when Davie's salary jumped £20,000 to £547,000, while Deborah Turness, the BBC News chief executive, saw hers rise £17,000 to £431,000. Since Davie became director-general in September 2020, the BBC has shelled out almost £10million addressing scandals. Almost half of that - £4.5million - comes from the fallout from the Martin Bashir 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana. Although the original controversy came before Davie took on his role, the sum includes £539,000 of legal fees in fighting journalist Andy Webb's internal emails about the scandal. Another £3.3million was spent on an external investigation into its handling of complaints about Radio 1 presenter Tim Westwood. Allegations against Westwood were first made public in 2022 when several women accused him of sexual misconduct. He has strongly denied all allegations. A review, which was carried out by barrister Gemma White KC and included contributions from more than 120 people, found people were 'concerned that they would not be believed or might be blamed' for his alleged behaviour because he was so 'popular'. The BBC also faced a £1.3million bill from the Huw Edwards scandal, although the report's findings have never been published. The review into the Gaza documentary, carried out by the director of editorial complaints Peter Johnston, cost £98,500. The Sunday Times reports that there is widespread feeling at the BBC and the wider media that Davie cannot afford another crisis, but his allies remain supportive and warn 'nobody should underestimate his strong survival instincts'.
Powys County Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
New MasterChef hosts 'confirmed' after Gregg Wallace axing
The new presenters taking over from Gregg Wallace and John Torode on MasterChef have been 'confirmed' after the pair were sensationally axed from the BBC show. An independent review commissioned by production company Banijay into misconduct allegations against Gregg Wallace upheld 45 of the 83 claims, leading to his removal from the cooking programme. Torode was also fired after racial language accusations were levied against him. It was claimed that he used the "N-word" on two separate occasions while working at the broadcaster. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MasterChef UK (@masterchefuk) New presenters 'confirmed' for MasterChef after Gregg Wallace and John Torode axing Now, it has been 'confirmed' that Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt is taking over one of the vacant positions after the axing of Gregg Wallace and John Torode. According to The Sun, BBC chef Andi Oliver, who currently stars in Great British Menu, is also joining him. A source told the publication: "Matt is seen as a really safe pair of hands by the BBC. He has been in the frame for some time and is now being lined up for MasterChef. "The BBC are keen to bring Andi Oliver on board too. She has been so popular as host of the Great British Menu. "They're not sure if she can commit at this stage because of her schedule with that show but everyone is hoping they can get her on board." View this post on Instagram A post shared by MasterChef UK Casting Account (@masterchefukcasting) The source added: "Everyone loves Andi and she would be perfect for the role in many ways. "She is very talented on her own merit but she would also help bring a more diverse look for the show, which is much needed. "The last thing the show wants is to be slapped with being 'pale, and stale' by a new generation of food lovers." Who are presenters Matt Tebbutt and Andi Oliver? According to IMDb, Matt Tebbutt is an actor and presenter who is known for starring in a number of shows like Saturday Kitchen and Food Unwrapped. The British chef and presenter often filled in for James Martin on Saturday Kitchen before becoming a regular face on the programme. Recommended Reading: He is also married to Lisa Tebbutt and has two children. Andi Oliver is also a British chef and presenter who has starred in a number of shows over her successful career, including Great British Menu, where she is a judge. She is also a radio presenter and former singer who has authored the book The Pepperpot Diaries: Stories From My Caribbean Table.
