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Metro
21-07-2025
- 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 Mirror
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC bans Gregg Wallace and tells him 'You'll never change' in scathing letter
The BBC has told Greg Wallace that they don't believe he'll change his behaviour in a scathing letter from compliance boss Claire Powell that has been shared with The Mirror Gregg Wallace struggles to grasp the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, BBC bosses claim. And in a letter sacking him from his MasterChef job, the corporation insisted he is unlikely to change amid accusations that include groping, flashing and making sexual comments that go back years. While the 60-year-old has admitted using inappropriate language at times, he denies the more serious allegations and has now hired an 'aggressive' lawyer who may challenge his axing. In the letter from the BBC to Wallace, extracts of which have been seen by the Mirror, compliance boss Claire Powell refers to the findings of a law firm's probe into his behaviour – which are yet to be released. She said: 'I do not have the confidence that you can change what seems to be learned behaviour for you to make what you perceive to be jokes in the work -environment, without understanding the boundaries of what is appropriate. 'You acknowledge some of your comments have offended or upset people. But it is clear that you struggle to distinguish the boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate -behaviour in the workplace, as well as lacking an awareness of why your behaviour impacts others. 'I do not have confidence that your behaviour can change.' A source close to Wallace said the TV chef claims the letter is unfair. But show producers Banijay are understood to be in no doubt about the next steps that need to be taken after the report by law firm Lewis Silkin. The insider said the letter refers to Wallace's autism and appears to accept his condition. The source said: 'He's been formally diagnosed with autism, a recognised disability, but the BBC seems to be saying it can't cope with a disabled person. It sounds a lot like discrimination to us.' Wallace is now understood to have hired Dan Morrison, one of the UK's top litigation lawyers who has worked with Nigel Farage and footballer John Terry. His firm's profile page states: 'Dan has recovered billions of pounds for his clients over 25 years of legal practice. He is known for his aggressive approach to litigation and his ability to negotiate favourable settlements for his clients.' Wallace is expected to try to sue the BBC, although it is not yet clear if this will be for unfair dismissal, or something else. He was warned by the BBC after a complaint was raised about him in 2018 on the show Impossible Celebrities. He apologised and was offered counselling. Wallace was told in a meeting to change his behaviour and had coaching the following year. There were also complaints about him that same year on MasterChef. He was given a dressing down by Kate Phillips, who was then controller of entertainment and is now the BBC's chief content officer. She reportedly told Wallace his behaviour had been -'unacceptable and cannot continue'. BBC News has claimed that 50 more people have made claims about him. Banijay last night declined to comment. The BBC also said it would not comment beyond the statement issued on Tuesday, which stated: 'Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. 'We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.' Wallace insisted earlier this week: 'I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.'
Buzz Feed
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Gregg Wallace Is Fired From MasterChef: The Full Controversy Explained
Gregg Wallace is back in the headlines this week following the news that he has been permanently axed from MasterChef after 20 years at the helm. The TV personality had been the subject of an investigation for the last several months due to past complaints about his conduct behind the scenes of the BBC series. After the investigation began towards the end of last year, it's now been confirmed that Gregg will not be returning to MasterChef. But how exactly did we get to this point? Here's a quick reminder of the story so far… June 2023: Gregg Wallace confirms he was spoken to about his behaviour by the producers of Inside The Factory Before we get into the current drama, it's perhaps worth first revisiting Gregg's departure from his show Inside The Factory back in 2023. Gregg first revealed he was stepping down as host of the docuseries after seven years as he wanted to spend more time with his then four-year-old son Sid, who is autistic and non-verbal. However, shortly after his departure from Inside The Factory was confirmed, The Times reported the decision was made after Gregg was 'given a talking to' after engaging in banter 'that he believed to be friendly but was considered inappropriate', noting that while these remarks were 'not sexual', they were 'understood to have related to the weight of female staff members'. Gregg insisted to The Times that these reports were 'inaccurate', saying: 'I use humour to relax people. It's a tool I've used for lots of years. I never, ever set out to upset or offend anybody and I never would. It makes me upset that I might have upset people.' 'All I would say is perhaps we need to draw a line between people that are bullies or nasty people and people that have made a mistake,' he added. 'Perhaps.' He later confirmed there had been a behind-the-scenes 'argument' that led to him leaving, claiming: 'There was an issue and I thought that was the perfect time to come out.' October 2024: Gregg Wallace first addresses claims that he was the subject of a BBC investigation A month before the investigation that would lead to him leaving MasterChef, Gregg spoke out after The Sun reported he had been at the centre of a BBC investigation years earlier, due to his alleged behaviour behind the scenes of an episode of Impossible Celebrities. According to the tabloid's report, Gregg sparked 'concerns' during an appearance on the gameshow in 2018, citing an 'insider' who alleged he had boasted about his sex life to a female staffer, and took his top off in front of her. 'With reference to what's in the newspapers, these allegations were investigated by the BBC six years ago – and my comments were found to be not sexual. I repeat not sexual,' Gregg later told his Instagram followers. 'Something else that I feel very strongly about, strong enough to be on here, nobody six years ago or since has accused me of flirting with anyone or hitting on anyone, and that is important to me, and I say this for my wife Anna, who I have been true to and madly in love with since the day I met her. 'I don't want anyone to misunderstand this and make it look like I was flirting with somebody. Nobody accused me of that, and I never have.' A BBC spokesperson also told HuffPost UK at the time: 'Whilst we do not comment on individuals, if issues are raised they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately at the time. 'We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour and have robust processes in place.' November 2024: Gregg Wallace announces leave of absence from MasterChef as investigation gets underway A month later, it was announced that MasterChef production company Banijay UK would be launching an independent investigation about historic complaints made to the BBC about Gregg's conduct. '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,' a Banijay rep said. '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.' It was also confirmed that, while this review was taking place, Gregg would be 'stepping away from his role on MasterChef ', adding that he was 'committed to fully co-operating throughout the process'. The Sun had reported weeks earlier that Gregg's future with MasterChef – which he began hosting in 2005 – was 'under fire' after it 'emerged' he had been at the centre of the aforementioned BBC probe six years earlier. December 2024: Gregg Wallace apologises after making disparaging remarks about his initial accusers In a now-infamous Instagram post shared shortly after the MasterChef investigation was first made public, Gregg told his followers: 'I've been doing MasterChef for 20 years – amateur, professional and celebrity – and I think in that time I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. 'And apparently now, I'm reading in the paper, there's been 13 complaints in that time. Now, 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.' 'In over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants on MasterChef, have made sexual remarks or sexual innuendo – can you imagine?' he concluded. Meanwhile, in a separate post, he claimed: '[I've done] 20 years [of] Celebrity MasterChef, amateur, professional, Eat Well for Less, Inside The Factory. Do you know how many staff – all different sorts of staff, you imagine the people I've worked with – complained about me in that time? Absolutely none. Zero. Seriously.' After facing a widespread backlash – including from prime minister Keir Starmer – for his 'middle-class women of a certain age' comment, Gregg later apologised for 'any offence' and 'any upset I may have caused to a lot of people'. 'I wasn't in a good head space when I posted it,' he claimed, stating he had been 'under a huge amount of stress' since the investigation was made public, and was feeling 'very alone under siege'. He said: 'It's obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is underway.' December 2024: John Torode speaks out amid the MasterChef investigation The week after the investigation was first reported to be underway, Gregg's long-term co-host John Torode issued a statement which said: 'Since last Friday I have been away filming MasterChef overseas. I love my job, and I love MasterChef. I love being part of it and will continue to be part of it. 'During the last few days, I've been trying to make the best cookery programme, so being busy making the show and caring for our contestants has allowed me little time to think about anything else, but that has been hard. 'The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear, and I have found the recent press reports truly upsetting. 'But as I hope everyone appreciates there is an investigation underway, which I fully support, so I cannot make any further comment at this stage, and I hope that you all understand and respect my silence on the matter moving forward.' Years earlier, John had made no secret of the fact that he and Gregg weren't exactly the best of friends behind the scenes of MasterChef, claiming 'we were work colleagues and we've always stayed work colleagues'. Asked about past comments that he and Gregg had 'never been friends', he responded: 'How do you define a friend? I think you define a friend of somebody if you're in a ditch one day and you're really in, you know, the cacker – you ring them up and you go 'I need help' – that's a friend. Gregg would do that. So, he's a friend. Don't get me wrong. 'But I don't go to the pub with him, we've both not been to each other's houses. We just don't do it.' December 2024: BBC announces temporary replacement for Gregg Wallace on Celebrity MasterChef As filming on the next season of Celebrity MasterChef got underway, it was announced that food critic Grace Dent – a long-time contributor to the show – would be stepping in for Gregg in his absence. 'I've been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa. My whole family watches it. It's all about uncovering and championing talent – and to have ended up in this position, is more than a dream to me,' Grace enthused. Her co-host John 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. 'Expertise is what MasterChef is all about, from the contestants to our wonderful production team, to us as judges. The love of food, the love of MasterChef, and that unquestionable expertise, makes Grace the perfect person to step in alongside me as judge for the forthcoming Celebrity MasterChef series.' More than six months on from the investigation's beginning, it was confirmed by BBC News in July 2025 that Gregg would not be returning to the show. Ahead of the results of the probe being published, Gregg issued a lengthy statement on Instagram in which he slated the BBC and disclosed that he had recently been diagnosed with autism. 'I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly,' he began, referring to the collaborative report between Banijay UK and the law firm Lewis Silkin. 'But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.' He wrote: 'I have now been cleared by [the report] of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation. 'My decision to go public now is also driven by the fact the BBC News division are intending to platform legally unsafe accusations, including claims which have already been investigated and not upheld by the BBC and found not credible by Silkins. 'The BBC is no longer providing balanced and impartial public service journalism. It is peddling baseless and sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories. The BBC is choosing to allow BBC News to run with this uncorroborated tittle tattle in an attempt to 'get ahead' of the Silkin's summary report and derail what has been an extremely thorough process.' Gregg continued: 'To be clear, the Silkin's Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018. I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks. 'I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem. 'My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef. Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years. That failure is now being quietly buried.' He added: 'Unfortunately, the full report (over 200 pages) will never be seen. Later this week, the BBC will publish a short Executive Summary. What really concerns me about the short summary is others who have been found guilty of serious allegations have been erased from the published version of events. I, and I'm sure the public, would like to know why?' 'I will not go quietly,' he concluded. 'I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established. 'The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.' A BBC spokesperson told The Guardian: 'Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.' BBC News reported on Tuesday that as many as 50 people have approached the broadcaster with complaints about Gregg, including allegations from one former colleague of him groping her, and another who said that he pulled his trousers down in front of her.
