Future of MasterChef Christmas special and The Professionals revealed as Gregg Wallace quits show amid BBC probe
THE future of MasterChef has been revealed following Gregg Wallace's sudden departure.
The presenter has stepped down as an investigation into alleged misconduct is carried out.
The Sun understands MasterChef's Christmas special and the ongoing series of The Professionals will go ahead.
Both have already been filmed, with Greg set to be seen on the semi-finals of series 17 of MasterChef: The Professionals next week.
The Sun revealed how Gregg, 60, previously came under fire after "inappropriate sexual comments" were reportedly made to a female BBC staffer on Impossible Celebrities.
He has since quit the BBC show amid a probe into "historical" misconduct claims.
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Banjay UK has now launched its own "immediate, external review" into his so-called behaviour.
Allegations of inappropriate sexual comments by 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011, said he told "sexualised" jokes during filming.
She told the BBC: "There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people.
"It wasn't as if anyone engaged with this, it was completely one way traffic.
"I think people were uncomfortable and something I really didn't expect to happen."
Gregg's lawyers say it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.
After the complaints were first 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."
Masterchef's production company Banijay UK 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.
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"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."
