Gregg Wallace to step away from MasterChef after 19 years due to investigation

Gregg Wallace is set to step away from MasterChef due to an investigation.

Wallace was a co-presenter on the cooking show for 19 years.

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.

“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.

Wallace was well known for his time on Masterchef (Dave Bennett via Getty Images)

“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 [email protected] in confidence.”

Wallace will step back from presenting duties (David M Benett via Getty Images)

A BBC spokesperson told PA: "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."

Last month Wallace responded to an investigation by the BBC which found he could continue to work for the company after an alleged incident in 2018 on Impossible Celebrities.

At the time he said: "The story that's hitting the newspapers was investigated promptly when it happened six years ago by the BBC.

"The outcome of that was that I hadn't said anything sexual. I'll need to repeat this again. I didn't say anything sexual."

Wallace has presented food-based TV shows for over 20 years, first appearing as a host on Saturday Kitchen in 2002.

He has been the co-presenter of MasterChef since 2005 alongside John Torode.

LADbible Group has contacted representatives for Gregg Wallace for comment.