Gregg Wallace sacked as MasterChef presenter, says BBC News

By Lauren Del Fabbro, PA Entertainment Reporter

Gregg Wallace has been sacked as MasterChef presenter following an inquiry into his alleged misconduct by production company Banijay, BBC News has reported.

The 60-year-old had stepped away from hosting the BBC cooking competition last year after a number of historical complaints came to light.

There have been fresh claims about the TV presenter from 50 different people to the corporation including allegations he groped one MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another, BBC News said.

Production firm Banijay previously said Wallace is “committed to fully co-operating” with the external review while his lawyers have previously strongly denied “he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”, according to BBC News.

BBC News said it has not seen the final Banijay report but said it is understood the presenter has been sacked.

Earlier on Tuesday, the former greengrocer claimed he had been cleared of the “most serious and sensational accusations” against him ahead of the report examining his alleged misconduct.

In a statement posted on his Instagram account, he said: “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established.

“The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace.

“We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”

Banijay UK declined to comment on Wallace’s comments.