Latest news with #Masterchef:TheProfessionals
Extra.ie
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Who is Anna Haugh? Dublin native to replace Greg Wallace on Masterchef
Irish chef Anna Haugh is set to replace Greg Wallace on MasterChef, following his axing. Both Greg and John Torode were booted off the cooking competition following allegations of misconduct being upheld against them, with the BBC confirming that they'd be airing season 21 of the show, which has the disgraced hosts on the air. While the final episodes haven't been filmed, and with Wallace having resigned back in November when the episodes were filmed, Irish chef Anna Haugh has been drafted in to host and judge the final few episodes, which will air later this year. Anna Haugh will replace Gregg Wallace during the final episodes of MasterChef. Pic:Born in Dublin, Anna is the owner of the Myrtle Restaurant in London, which offers modern Irish cuisine. She has the credentials to back up her chef prowess, having trained alongside Derry Clarke in the Michelin-starred L'Ecrivan Restaurant, and also cooked with Gordon Ramsay. She has also appeared on Masterchef: The Professionals in 2022, so she knows what it's like to go through the rigmarole of the intense competition — but admitted that she had gone through a bout of impostor syndrome prior to the show. Hailing from Dublin, Anna was a previous Masterchef participant and has trained with chefs such as Gordon Ramsay. Pic: Conal Hughes/BBC 'I'm like, 'I'm here, this is about to start. How in God's name did I trick these people into thinking I was able for this?'' she told the Irish Mail on Sunday. 'But then I would stop and think, 'Well, I trained really hard to understand my profession, I love food, and I love training people.' 'So it was, 'Fight those nerves Anna and get on with it.' 'It's a magic feeling to know that I had those nerves, and then I just threw myself into it and got on with the graft.' A number of names have since been floating around as potential permanent replacements for Wallace and Torode, including author and food critic Grace Dent, and Tom Kerridge and Andi Oliver. John Torode and Gregg Wallace were both kicked off the show following allegations of professional misconduct. Pic: PA Wallace stepped away from Masterchef following historical allegations of professional misconduct, with a report by Lewis Silkins LLP upholding 45 of the 83 complaints made against him over 19 years. In a statement following the publication of the Silkins report, Wallace fired back at his former employers, saying: 'I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly. But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. 'I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me,' adding that the 'most serious and sensational allegations' were dismissed prior to the publication of the report. The BBC have said, however, that they have no plans to work with Wallace in the future. His co-host John Torode was also sacked from Masterchef following allegations that he made a racist remark a number of years ago, with him saying in a statement that took aim at the beeb that his upcoming Masterchef special, filmed earlier this year, will be his last.
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Gregg Wallace hit by 50 allegations claiming star pulled down trousers and groped colleague as he's fired by BBC
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GREGG Wallace has been hit by misconduct claims from 50 new people, it was sensationally revealed last night. They include allegations that the star - now sacked as MasterChef presenter - groped one show worker and pulled his trousers down in front of two others. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Gregg Wallace has been sacked from his job at the BBC Credit: PA 5 The presenter has been slammed with 50 new allegations of misconduct Credit: PA One of the two described it a 'predatory' encounter. She also claimed a boss dismissed her report of the alleged incident as she was over 16 and 'not being Jimmy Savile-d'. Another woman claimed Wallace groped her bottom while he spoke to ex co-host John Torode at the bar, during a wrap party in 2013. The bombshell claims emerged after a nine-month sexual misconduct investigation into the star, who denies any wrongdoing. And the claims come after Wallace, 60, stepped down as MasterChef presenter last November. He exited the show after 13 people accused him of making inappropriate sexual comments. Wallace - who has also fronted Celebrity Masterchef, Masterchef: The Professionals and Saturday Kitchen - came out fighting yesterday after it emerged he had been axed. In a lengthy online statement he insisted he had been cleared of 'the most serious and sensational accusations'. On Instagram, where he has 220,000 followers, Wallace said: 'After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged. 'The most damaging claims were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.' Gregg Wallace offers advice to fans for £200 But hours after Wallace's online post, BBC News revealed the new claims against him during a probe by independent law firm Lewis Silkin. It was hired by MasterChef production company Banijay to conduct a thorough investigation. The BBC said last night it had not seen the Banijay report. But its story said the corporation had been contacted by people across a range of shows and settings. Most allegations were said to centre on inappropriate sexual comments, though 11 women are said to have accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour. That behaviour is said to include groping and touching. The allegations raise fresh questions for the Beeb and Banijay over their oversight of Wallace's alleged behaviour and their duty of care to staff. One woman - called Alice by the BBC - claims Wallace took his trousers down in front of her in a dressing room. 5 The presenter has been accused of 'predatory' behaviour Credit: Getty She accused TV veteran Wallace of 'disgusting and predatory' behaviour. Another, using the name Sophie, says she was left feeling 'absolutely horrified' and 'quite sick' when he allegedly groped her. Others who contacted the corporation with fresh claims about the star include a participant on Saturday Kitchen, which Wallace hosted in 2002-2003. The morning cooking show was, at that time, produced in-house by the BBC. During a dinner ahead of filming in 2002, 'Sophie' claimed Wallace put his hand under the table and onto her groin, saying: 'Do you like that?' Another woman is a university student who says she met Wallace in a nightclub with friends in 2013. She claims that - after she asked to take a photo with him - he reached under her skirt and grabbed and groped her bottom. The BBC reported that another woman alleged that Wallace put his hand up her dress at an industry ball in 2014 and groped her. And a junior worker claims that - in 2012 - Wallace dropped his trousers in front of her. She alleges he was not wearing underwear. 5 One male cop said he was silenced when raising concerns about Wallace Credit: PA A string of men have also claimed they witnessed Wallace making inappropriate sexual comments, it was reported. A former male cop has also said he tried to raise concerns about Wallace's sexually inappropriate language to the BBC in 2023 but was stonewalled. And other recent claims include a 19-year-old MasterChef worker who says she tried to complain about Wallace's comments about her body in 2022. The BBC said many of the women were young freelancers who felt unable to complain about Wallace's behaviour at the time amid fears it would hamper their careers. But one - 'Alice' - said she voiced concerns to bosses but claims they were dismissed. She worked on MasterChef between 2011 and 2013 when she was in her 20s. At the time, the show was produced by Shine, a company now owned by Banijay. She alleged that Wallace once asked her into his dressing room, saying he needed help getting into a black-tie outfit. She claimed he pushed her down onto a sofa, pulled his trousers down and told her he wasn't wearing any underwear, the BBC said. She reported what had happened, she says, but was told by a senior production member: 'You're over 16, you're not being 'Jimmy Saviled'.' Gregg Wallace - MasterChef scandal in Brief GREGG Wallace has stepped down from his MasterChef hosting role after a probe into alleged inappropriate behaviour. But what's the situation? Regular MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is currently the subject of a probe after an investigation was launched into his alleged misconduct over a number of years. Gregg has been accused of making sexual remarks to 13 colleagues including Beeb anchor Kirsty Wark - accusations he denies. The 60-year-old has now stepped away from the BBC show while historical misconduct allegations against him are investigated. Yet the former greengrocer spoke out on social media to blast the "women of a certain age" who he claimed were behind the allegations. The cooking show's production company, Banijay UK, has said law firm Lewis Silkin would lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged misconduct. Alice said she felt let down and left with the impression she should 'be grateful and get on with it' due to her lowly role. She has contributed to the Banijay inquiry, the BBC said. A woman - 'Anna' - claims Wallace pulled his trousers down in front of her as she worked on a photo shoot with him in 2012. The alleged incident occurred when they were alone together in a dressing room area - and she could see he was not wearing underwear. Wallace is said to have changed into the clothes she was holding from before she left. She also claimed Wallace made lewd comments and was 'touchy-feely'. Anna said she felt 'undermined' , unable to complain due to her junior position. She told the BBC she had spoken up after being angered by Wallace's Instagram video last year which saw him claim allegations had come from 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. The Beeb reported her as saying: 'Is he saying it was OK to behave that way with younger women, like I was at the time?' Another MasterChef worker, Sophie, claims she was groped by the presenter at a wrap party at the end of the 2013 series. She described the incident - which she claims happened as she was talking to Wallace and then co-host John Torode - he was about as 'a full-handed squeeze'. She added: 'I turned around and it was Gregg.' There is no suggestion Mr Torode was aware of the incident. Again, the woman feared complaints would be ignored. Sophie has also contributed to the Banijay inquiry. 5 Wallace has hit back at his former employers at the BBC Credit: Getty Some new allegations happened away from television - one of them in the mid-to-late 2000s in Nottingham during a book tour. Publicist 'Esther' said Wallace pushed his way into her hotel room, took off his clothes, and then asked her: 'Exactly what is it that you do?' She says she was shocked and made it clear she was not interested, telling him: 'That's not part of my job.' Esther claims he then says he climbed into her bed and fell asleep - prompting her to sleep at the edge of the bed, with her clothes on. She claims that - when he woke up - Wallace put his hand on her bottom and commented that she had a 'nice arse'. She ordered him to leave, and he did, it was reported. Esther did not complain at the time, but has contributed to the Banijay inquiry. Yesterday, Wallace said: 'I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established.' He also accused the BBC of 'peddling baseless and sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories'. On Instagram, he said: '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.' The BBC News report also said some people had got in touch to insiated Walace's behaviour amounted to 'jokes' and 'banter'. But a cameraman, who worked on the BBC show Eat Well For Less in 2016, said he heard Wallace make inappropriate comments in front of the production team. This is alleged to have included asking a gay female director about her 'lesbian clothing'. He said: 'It's not banter, it's not how you should behave in a professional workplace,' the BBC reportded. A recent report into the BBC found that a small number of its stars and managers 'behave unacceptably' at work, and that bosses often fail to tackle them. In response, the broadcaster said it would introduce reforms, and its chairman Samir Shah said he would draw 'a line in the sand'. Banijay has said that it will not comment on the accusations until the report is published.
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC Masterchef star closes award-winning restaurant TODAY after ‘unforgettable journey' as he teases ‘final celebration'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN AWARD-winning restaurant owned by a BBC Masterchef star is closing today after an "unforgettable journey". Announcing the news online, chef Ritchie Staisnby teased a "final celebration" before he closes the doors to the much-loved vegan food spot. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 BBC Masterchef star has closed his award-winning restaurant Credit: Trip Advisor 6 The vegan restaurants was much-loved in the community Credit: Trip Advisor 6 Ritchie previously appeared on Masterchef Credit: BBC Owners of the restaurant made the decision to shut up shop after admitting "everything is up in the air". Co-owner of Nottingham-based No. Twelve, Ritchie Stainsby built up a strong relationship with his regular customers after starring on Masterchef: The Professionals last year. He runs the restaurant alongside wife Lauren and despite the popular spot being filled up most days, Ritchie has called time on the project. The final farewell will take place on 1 June and is open to all members of the public. Read more on Money TAKING OFF Beautiful airport hotel with bee treasure hunts and fine dining restaurant Tickets are free and the restaurant will be serving heavily discounted booze and food, and will even auction off some of its items. In a post on Instagram the couple said: "This is more than just a party — it's a thank you, a farewell, and a celebration of everything has stood for. "Whether you've dined with us once or a hundred times, we'd love to see your face and raise one last glass together. No dress code — just bring your friends, your appetite, and your best stories. Let's make this a day to remember." News of the closure was announced earlier this year with the TV chef alluding to things being "up in the air" despite being as busy as ever. They said: "We got some sensitive news that's out of our hands. Heartbroken MasterChef star tells of 'lost dream' after shutting award-winning restaurant and warns 'it's bleak' "We have loved doing this and the reason it's coming to an end so abruptly is some personal circumstances for us and those around us that contribute to the restaurant closing. "No. Twelve hasn't failed, to be honest we are busier than we ever have been. "And because we're a couple we guarantee people will think we've split up. Just to clarify we are a happily married couple." He ended the passionate message by saying: "Everything is up in the air at the moment and, even though we don't know what's going to happen, I'm still going to be a chef." The 33-year-old is yet to say what led to the closure of No. Twelve but he did confirm the brand would live on in the form of regular pop-up events. Private dining bookings will also still be available for guests who want to get their tastebuds back with Ritchie's tasty offerings. No. Twelve can be found at Eldon Chambers in a busy part of Nottingham. It was first opened up in 2017 as a small 24-seater cafe in Hounds Gate being the business was transformed into a fine dining restaurant in a converted redbrick Victorian mill, off Wheeler Gate. They specialise in vegan dishes with an imaginative twist that has wowed everyone - including devout meat lovers. Much of the meals form an à la carte menu but there is also a seven-course tasting menu for people to try. 6 The chef said he would carry on cooking Credit: BBC 6 They thanks their fans for the 'unforgettable journey' Credit: Trip Advisor 6 A final closing party will take place on June 1 Credit: Instagram Until today the spot was running as usual to provide diners with a culinary experience they won't forget. Lauren, 29, previously said: "What we want to do over the next three months is celebrate. "One door closes, another door opens. We're going to see it as something positive. "It is sad but we don't want to be sad about it because there is no point. It's been a great journey for us. "I started this when I was 22, now I'm going to be celebrating my 30th here. It's amazing, we've done so well." Ritchie said despite the pair choosing to step away from the business sector for now, they could be convinced back one day. He said if the right investor came in and made an offer which was good enough then they would go into business again. The chef said: "Whilst a change of location seems impossible at the moment, it's not something we'd ever rule out. "The economy, as it is, is tragic for our industry. While there are places opening we often find it's people who have got big backing." It comes after Sunday Brunch star Elliot Kaye and Richie Hayes shared that they would be closing their modern-style greasy spoon. The North London eatery Norman's Cafe had long been a hub for influencers and fashion-forward people looking for a greasy spoon with a difference. Opened by Sunday Brunch chef Elliot Kaye and Richie Hayes, the posh restaurant first opened its doors in 2020. Norman's Cafe began as a sandwich shop before widening its menu to include a range of British classics. Despite its immense popularity, however, the shop's owners announced that it will close its doors in June 2025.
Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Scottish town under an hour from Edinburgh named among Britain's 15 poshest locations
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Britain's 15 'poshest' towns have been named – and a pretty seaside location that's less than an hour from Edinburgh features. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It comes as The Telegraph published its annual list of fancy towns that are perfect to go and 'play at being posh' during mini-break. Introducing the list, the newspaper says: 'Posh is a bit of a love-hate thing, isn't it? Most of us, the lesser-privileged masses, nurture an envious dislike for those who get to live in a whirl of Michelin stars, Barbour jackets, cashmere, Krug and organic everything. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'But when it comes to a nice British mini-break? That's exactly the world we want to inhabit, just for a weekend. We want towns that have comely high streets, shops we can't afford, fancy bakeries, big, fat stately homes and a certain air of gentility. So, here are a few of those, where you can at least play at being posh for a while…'. Topping the list is Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, with Bruton in Somerset's and Harrogate in North Yorkshire in second and third spot respectively. Taking 9th place in the ranking is St Andrews, which is famed for being Scotland's world-famous 'Home of Golf'. The seaside town is also known for its historic university, medieval streets and beautiful traditional buildings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Explaining the reasons for its inclusion on the list, The Telegraph writes: 'Posh? Indeed so – well-heeled St Andrews even hosted the heir to the throne (Prince William and Kate met at university here). 'The town is all dramatic ruins, medieval streets, wild coast and, of course, golf – the game was born here. The ultimate coup is bagging a round on the Old Course, via the regular ballot.' Once you arrive in St Andrews, which can be reached by train from Edinburgh in around 55 minutes, the newspaper recommends you 'head for Haar, where Dean Banks – finalist on Masterchef: The Professionals – serves top-notch modern tasting menus. Or try the Steak Barn, a sawmill-turned-wood-fired BBQ joint that sits alongside the farm shop and butchery school at Balgove Larder.' You can see the full list of Britain's 15 poshest towns, according to The Telegraph below. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 1. Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, 2. Bruton, Somerset, 3. Harrogate, North Yorkshire, 4. Salcombe, Devon, 6. Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, 7. Holt, Norfolk, 8. Marlow, Buckinghamshire, 9. St Andrews, Fife, 10. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, 11. St Ives, Cornwall, 12. Stockbridge, Hampshire, 13. Stamford, Lincolnshire, 14. Wilmslow, Cheshire, 15. Aldeburgh, Suffolk.
