Greg Wallace will step down as presenter on BBC MasterChef, the show’s production company Banijay UK has revealed.
Wallace will step down from the show while complaints made to the BBC from individuals about historical allegations of misconduct are investigated.
Wallace, 60, is “committed to fully cooperating throughout the process”, a statement from Banijay UK to the PA news agency said.
Gregg Wallace to step away from MasterChef amid misconduct allegations
The statement said: “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.
“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.
“While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process.
“Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.
“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”
The statement added: “If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.”
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"Robust processes in place" to deal with issues raised says BBC
A BBC spokesman said: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.
“We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.
“Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”
News of Wallace's departure from MasterChef comes after, last month, he was forced to defend allegations of “inappropriate sexual comments” he allegedly made to a female member of staff at the BBC in 2018.
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It was reported he made “inappropriate sexual comments” on the game show Impossible Celebrities, according to The Sun.
Wallace has been a presenter on the UK version of MasterChef, alongside John Torode, since 2005.
Recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Wallace will transmit as planned, with the next episode due to air on Thursday (November 28), according to PA news agency.
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