Gregg Wallace steps down from MasterChef amid probe into misconduct at work
GREGG Wallace has stepped down from presenting MasterChef and the BBC has launched a probe amid claims he sent inappropriate sexual comments.
The Sun revealed how Gregg, 60, came under fire after the remarks were reportedly made to a female Beeb staffer.
He was also accused of being rude and insulting to women on a different show in 2023.
The MasterChef host has now stepped away from the show while an investigation into alleged misconduct is carried out.
Recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Gregg will still be shown as planned despite the development.
MasterChef production company Banijay UK said the BBC had received complaints this week in relation to "historical allegations" of misconduct.
It revealed individuals had made the claims while working with Gregg on one of their shows.
Banjay UK has now launched its own "immediate, external review" into his so-called behaviour.
The company said: "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 Sun told how the Gregg landed himself in hot water with BBC bosses in 2018 taking off his top and bragging about romps.
It followed a series of scandals that had plagued the organisation - including Huw Edwards' child sex crimes and the Strictly Come Dancing bullying probe.
After the complaints were raised, Gregg admitted he had made comments but denied they were sexual.
He also emphasised that he loved his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini, who he wed in 2016.
The TV star said: "With reference to what's in the newspapers, these allegations were investigated by the BBC six years ago.
"The allegations were investigations six years ago and my comments were found to be not sexual.
"I repeat, not sexual. Thank you everybody for your time.
"I don't want anybody to misunderstand this and make it look like I was flirting with somebody. Nobody accused me of that and I never have."
Last year, Gregg was also accused of being rude and insulting to women on TV show Inside The Factory.
At the time, he said he had quit as host of the BBC series to focus on his autistic son, Sid.
A BBC spokesperson said: "We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.
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"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."
