BBC MasterChef's Gregg Wallace breaks silence as probe over 'inappropriate sexual comments' resurfaces

BBC MasterChef host Gregg Wallace has broken his silence as it has been reported that the broadcaster's employee faced an investigation over alleged inappropriate sexual comments made on Impossible Celebrities in 2018.

Gregg Wallace has spoken out following the resurgence of reports concerning a BBC investigation into his conduct. The MasterChef celebrity faced allegations of making inappropriate sexual remarks to a female BBC employee during his time on Impossible Celebrities.

The Sun reported that in 2018, Wallace was accused of removing his shirt and boasting about his sexual exploits, and in 2023, he was further accused of being rude and insulting to women on another programme, Inside The Factory.

Addressing the issue on Instagram, Wallace stated: "With reference to what's in the newspapers, these allegations were investigated by the BBC six years ago - and my comments were found to be not sexual. I repeat not sexual. Thank you."

The broadcaster is now facing scrutiny over why Wallace was allowed to continue on MasterChef despite its commitment to improving workplace culture.

A source conveyed to The Sun: "There are questions to be asked about the decision to allow Gregg to continue on MasterChef despite these previous incidents. The BBC say they are keen to clear up issues around workplace culture but have allowed Gregg to remain on a flagship show despite allegations about his conduct.

They added: "Gregg was accused of making inappropriate comments to a younger, female member of the production team. He is said to have been boasting about his sex life with his partner at the time, the Express reports.

"At one point, Gregg was also accused of taking his top off in front of the woman which felt inappropriate.

"Gregg appeared to think it was all just banter and is also said to have made some comments in front of the live audience. The team working on the show were mortified and told BBC top brass what had happened."

The informer alleged that Wallace was instructed to modify his conduct by his employers, who took "immediate action". They said: "The BBC took immediate action and Gregg was called in to have a meeting with them.

"He made it clear that he didn't mean anything by what he said but he was read the riot act and told to change his behaviour."

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