Olivia Burke
Gregg Wallace has released a video statement after it was announced he was stepping away from MasterChef after 19 years due to an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
Earlier today (28 November) it was announced that Wallace, 60, would be stepping away from the BBC cooking programme.
Take a look at the video here:
MasterChef's producer Banijay released the following statement: “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.
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“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.”
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The statement added: “If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact [email protected] in confidence.”
Now, Wallace his broken his silence on the matter. Speaking in an Instagram video tonight, he said: "I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support.
"That's good of you. Thank you very much."
The BBC has since confirmed that 13 individuals, including broadcaster Kirsty Wark, have made allegations against Wallace.
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Following the news, singer Rod Stewart laid into Wallace on Instagram in a brutal statement in which he accused the presenter of being a bully.
Sharing his statement via a black-and-white text post, he wrote: "So Greg [sic] Wallace gets fired from Master Chef.
"Good riddance Wallace... You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that bit cut out didn't you?
"You're a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya. Sir Rod Stewart."
Lancaster had participated on season 16 of Celebrity MasterChef in 2021 and made it to the quarter final of the show before being knocked out of the comp.
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LADbible has reached out to Greg Wallace, Banjay UK and the BBC for comment.