Gregg Wallace: What are the allegations and what has he said?

Published

7 months ago

December 2, 2024

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Gregg Wallace has stepped down from MasterChef over allegations he made inappropriate sexual comments on a range of programmes over 17 years.

The 60-year-old, who has been a co-presenter and judge of the popular cooking show since 2005, is currently being investigated by MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK after complaints were made to the BBC last week.

But what exactly is Wallace accused of and what has he said in response?

What are the allegations?

Thirteen people have complained “in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with Gregg Wallace” on Banijay UK programmes, according to the company.

One of them is broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who was a celebrity contestant on MasterChef in 2011.

The Newsnight presenter told the BBC Wallace used “sexualised language” during filming.

“There were two occasions in particular where he used sexualised language in front of a number of people and it wasn’t as if anyone engaged with this. It was completely one-way traffic,” Wark told BBC News.

“I think people were uncomfortable and [it was] something that I really didn’t expect to happen.

“I was actually more angry than anything else, because I thought it was so inappropriate. And in a sense what I thought was it was about power more than anything else, that he felt he could,” Wark added.

The other allegations span across multiple TV shows between 2005 and 2022, according to BBC News.

This investigation comes after a previous BBC review into reports of an alleged incident in 2018 when he appeared on Impossible Celebrities.

Reports about that review, which found he could continue working at the corporation, surfaced in October.

Wallace, who denied any wrongdoing, said those claims had been investigated “promptly” at the time and that he had not said “anything sexual” while appearing on the game show more than half a decade ago.

More allegations after investigation announced

The announcement of Banijay UK’s investigation and Wallace’s subsequent departure from MasterChef has triggered more allegations.

Sir Rod Stewart claimed on his Instagram story that Wallace “humiliated” his wife Penny Lancaster while she was on MasterChef but “had that bit cut” from the broadcast.

Author and actor Emma Kennedy, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2012, said she believes she saw Wallace touch the bottom of a young woman who was working as a photographer’s assistant.

“As she was bending over, Gregg in front of me went and put his hands over her buttocks and then turned to me and went, ‘Cor’, and then was laughing as if this was a great joke,” she told Ayesha Hazarika on Times Radio.

Kennedy said she didn’t think he was “a sexual predator” but confronted him over his “completely inappropriate” behaviour.

She said she reported the incident to an assistant producer, a producer and the head of PR at MasterChef at the time but didn’t get a formal response.

Presenter Kirstie Allsopp has claimed his behaviour was “totally unprofessional” when they filmed a TV pilot together, writing on social media: “Within 1 hour of meeting Gregg Wallace he told me of a sex act that he and his partner at the time enjoyed ‘every morning’. She’d just left the room, we were filming a pilot.”

TV director and producer Dawn Elrick told Sky News several female production staff complained to her about Wallace’s conduct.

She said women allege a pattern of behaviour that amounted to “bragging in a heightened sexual way” and using graphic language she describes as “lewd” and “quite filthy” – sometimes when cameras were still rolling.

Ms Elrick said she compiled the allegations in a letter to the BBC, who replied requesting more information and evidence.

But she said the response “kind of just missed the point” because, for production staff, coming forward is “very hard”.

Ms Elrick described the allegations against Wallace as “like one of these ‘open secrets'”. “I can’t see that they [the BBC] haven’t known about this for a while,” she added.

What has Wallace said about the latest allegations?

His legal team has said “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”, in a statement to BBC News.

Sky News has contacted Wallace’s representative for comment.

Wallace avoided questions when asked by Sky News about the claims.

While Wallace has not directly addressed any of the allegations, he has reacted to them with a series of Instagram videos.

In his first one, which he posted on Thursday 28 November, he thanked people for their support, saying: “I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support. It’s good of you.

“Thank you very much.”

Then on Sunday 1 December, he posted a series of other videos, in which he said: “Now, I’ve been doing MasterChef for 20 years. Amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef and I think in that time, I have worked with more than 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life.

” And apparently, now, I’m reading in the paper, there’s been 13 complaints in that time. Now in the newspaper, I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn’t right.”

He added: “In 20 years, over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants on MasterChef, have made sexual remarks, or sexual innuendo? Can you imagine?”

He also said: “Do you know how many staff made a complaint about me in that time? Absolutely none. Zero. Seriously.”

He has now apologised for his initial response in another Instagram story, saying: “I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people.

“I wasn’t in a good head space when I posted it. I’ve been under a huge amount of stress a lot of emotion. I felt very alone, under siege yesterday when I posted it.

“It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope you accept this apology.”

What has Banijay UK said?

The company said Wallace was “committed to fully cooperating throughout the process” of its investigation.

“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,” the company said.

“While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating 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 company has also called for anyone wishing to report allegations of misconduct to contact Lewis Silkin, a legal firm appointed to lead an investigation.

What has the BBC said?

A BBC spokesperson said: “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.

“It would be inappropriate for us to comment on anything that could form part of Banijay’s ongoing investigation or otherwise influence it.”

Wallace allegations ‘the tip of the iceberg’

A former MasterChef contestant has told Sky News the Wallace allegations are just the “tip of the iceberg”, claiming he witnessed a “toxic environment” and was so “horrified” he considered quitting the show on his first day.

The contestant, who has asked to remain anonymous, told Sky News’ arts and entertainment correspondent Katie Spencer “abuse” of contestants was widespread through the “production team”, but he was too scared to speak out after signing a non-disclosure agreement.

“I was horrified,” he said.

“I’d never seen anything like it, genuinely, I was really quite shocked at that really toxic environment.

“What I witnessed… as a contestant was that there was a systemic problem that was larger than just him, in my view.

“Gregg… would occasionally crack jokes that in different ways felt inappropriate but he wasn’t the only one.”

The contestant said he was “not for one second wanting to let Gregg Wallace off the hook, but I don’t think it’s just him”.

“My concern is that he’s being totally scapegoated for a culture that… was more often than not about mocking. It was offensive.”

He added: “You know, I think it’s good that these things are coming out and I’m glad that people are speaking up, it’s brilliant. But I do think it’s the tip of the iceberg. I think if you were to really unravel and look at what was going on in that culture at large you’d see a lot more, you know, abuse.”

He claimed he heard a lot of profanity on set.

“I mean, there was effings and c**** and twats and all sorts and that that was the kind of language you kind of got used to, particularly from some of the camera crew, but also a couple of the producers too. He [Wallace] was the least sweary person,” he said.

“I think I got off pretty lightly, but I’d see the other contestants and just [be] thinking I would have been very upset if that person had that said that to me.”

He told Spencer it “certainly wasn’t everyone” and that some people on set were “incredibly respectful and very professional”.

He added: “It was all men… I don’t think I ever witnessed any of the women taking part in it. I think there was a kind of disconnection within the team at large… between some of the men and the women.”

Sky News has contacted Banijay and Wallace’s agent for comment about the latest allegations.

A BBC source said: “While we are not going to comment on individuals or any internal HR processes, particularly when there is an ongoing process in place being run by Banijay who have the direct contractual relationship with Gregg Wallace, it would be wrong to report the BBC has done nothing if or when matters have been raised with us – not least because it is already being widely reported there were interventions in both 2017 and 2018 where action was taken.

“We continue to urge caution about pre-judging any of this, particularly the involvement of BBC staff members and any inference they have not acted appropriately.”

UK

‘Stability in Middle East is priority,’ says Starmer – as world reacts to strikes

Published

4 hours ago

June 22, 2025

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'Stability in Middle East is priority,' says Starmer - as world reacts to strikes

Sir Keir Starmer has said stability in the Middle East is “a priority” following US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as the world has reacted to the attack.

The prime minister also called on Iran to “return to the negotiating table” to “reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis”.

Follow latest: Iran considering ‘all options’ after US strikes

In a statement, Sir Keir said: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security.

“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.

“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority.

“We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

The UK was not involved in the strikes but was informed about them in advance by the US, Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips.

Sir Keir and Foreign Secretary David Lammy had been pushing for a diplomatic solution. On Thursday, the prime minister warned of a “real risk of escalation” in the conflict.

The US struck three sites in Iran early on Sunday morning, with Donald Trump boasting the country’s key nuclear sites were “completely and fully obliterated” in an address to the nation from the White House and warned there could be further strikes if Iran retaliates.

Netanyahu praises Trump

Israel‘s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Mr Trump for the strikes, saying: “Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history…

“History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”

UN secretary-general ‘gravely alarmed’ by US attack

But UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed by the use of force” by the US against Iran.

“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security. There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.”

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged all sides to step back and return to the negotiating table. “Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” she said in a post on X.

“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” she said, adding that EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation tomorrow.

How the world reacted to the strikes

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on X: “We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which constitutes a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

“The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences.”

Venezuela’s foreign minister Yvan Gil said his country’s government “condemns US military aggression” and “demands an immediate cessation of hostilities”.

In a statement, an Australian government spokesperson said Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme “has been a threat to international peace and security”.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said it is “crucial that there be a quick de-escalation of the conflict”.

Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said after the attack that his country’s government hopes “a de-escalation can begin and Iran can sit down at the negotiating table”.

The US attack came after more than a week of strikes by Israel, which have significantly degraded Iran’s air defences and offensive missile capabilities, and damaged its nuclear enrichment facilities.

Israel’s strikes on Iran have killed at least 865 people and wounded 3,396 others, according to the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists. The group said of those killed, 365 were civilians and 215 were security force personnel.

UK

Latest polling says if an election was held tomorrow Reform UK would win a majority

Published

4 hours ago

June 22, 2025

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Latest polling says if an election was held tomorrow Reform UK would win a majority

Since the local elections Reform UK has had no shortage of good polls.

But a new one suggests Nigel Farage‘s party has a chance not only of winning the next election, but of claiming a decent Commons majority, too.

In February, Reform topped a Sky News/YouGov poll for the first time, with Nigel Farage’s party edging in front on 25%, Labour pushed into second on 24%, with the Tories on 21%.

But a fresh one from Ipsos puts Reform on 34%, nine points ahead of Labour on 25%, with the Conservatives a distant third on 15%.

While the other parties are flatlining, Reform appears to be pushing boundaries.

Were these figures to be replicated across the country at a general election, with every constituency behaving the same way, then Reform could win as many as 340 seats, giving it a majority of 30, Sky News analysis suggests.

Labour could be reduced to 176 seats, down 236 on last year’s election, while the Tories would hit a record low of 12 seats.

But polling should always be taken with a pinch of salt and with the firm acknowledgement that there is not an election coming any time soon.

Conservative backbenchers might also tell you publicly that opinion polls are notoriously difficult to translate into seat numbers because voting percentages in individual constituencies can vary hugely from the overall average.

But the truth is that the symbolism of Reform UK topping another poll is likely to be noticed by MPs from all parties, especially backbench Conservatives who have actively been hoping their leader, Kemi Badenoch, can help them climb the polls and bring the party back into public favour.

Politics is a brutal game and when it comes to toppling underwhelming party leaders, the Tories are more ruthless than most. One wonders how many of these polls Mrs Badenoch’s party will allow her to endure.

This poll is also a warning to Labour.

As the party approaches a year since its major victory, it will not have much to celebrate if these numbers are anything to go by.

According to this survey, only 19% are satisfied with the job Sir Keir Starmer is doing as prime minister, with 73% dissatisfied.

And the figure of 25% of voters intending to vote Labour is a level not seen since October 2019.

While abstract to much of the public, polling can often shape not only the chatter inside Westminster but how and when plots by MPs begin.

For Reform UK, this is a much-needed morale boost after a surprise resignation by their former Chairman Zia Yusuf, and then an almost immediate U-turn back into the party.

And Kemi Badenoch – who said during her leadership campaign that the Conservatives needed to go back to first principles and that this would take time – will be wondering, seven-and-a-half months after winning the leadership, how much time she really has left.

Ipsos interviewed a representative probability sample of 1,180 British adults aged 18+, via the Ipsos UK KnowledgePanel. Data was collected between 30 May-4 June 2025.

UK

Palestine Action: The ‘enemy within’ or non-violent protesters?

Published

4 hours ago

June 22, 2025

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Palestine Action: The 'enemy within' or non-violent protesters?

The impending ban on protest group Palestine Action has divided opinion – described as both “outrageous” and “long overdue”.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to take the step after the group broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on e-scooters and sprayed two Voyager planes with red paint.

The prime minister described the attack as “outrageous” and a rapid review of security at MoD bases is under way.

It was the latest protest in a five-year campaign from Palestine Action (PA) that has targeted arms manufacturers, financial institutions, political figures and government buildings.

Red spray paint has become its signature.

On its website, PA says it is a “direct action movement” committed to ending “global participation” in what it calls Israel’s “genocidal and apartheid regime”.

It adds that it uses “disruptive tactics” to target “corporate enablers of the Israeli military-industrial complex”.

Banning the group would make membership of it illegal. It would be treated as a terrorist organisation.

Saeed Taji Farouky, a spokesman for PA, told Sky News that potential proscription was “unfair”, adding that it was “ludicrous” that a “civil society direct action group” could end up on the same list as ISIS.

He added: “It’s not logical, it’s not even consistent with the British legal definition of terrorism, it’s a reaction that’s been taken overnight, with almost no discussion or debate.

“The whole thing is incredibly worrying, mostly for what it means about British law in general, about undermining the very basis of British democracy and the rule of law.”

There are “no circumstances” under which the two people who breached Brize Norton would be handed over to the police, he said.

Singer-songwriter Paloma Faith, who spoke at a pro-Palestine rally in Whitehall in central London on Saturday, told Sky News she was “devastated” by the move.

“I have met some of the people who have friends in that group. They are young students and they are basically trying to do something because they feel that our government is failing them.”

She added that “everyone” wants to end what she described as a “massacre” in Gaza.

Israel says its military campaign in Gaza is a way of defending itself against Hamas, which killed more than a thousand people in its 7 October attacks and took about 240 people hostage. Hamas-run health authorities claim Israeli attacks have since killed almost 56,000 people in Gaza.

Faith continued: “When you scribble on something, or paint on it, it’s a non-violent protest and it shouldn’t be made at the same level as a violent protest – it is unjust.”

Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, backed Palestine Action’s use of non-violent protest.

He told Sky News: “There has been a place for that in all political movements in history.

“In the struggle for the rights of black people in the US, in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, in the struggle for women to have the vote, people took forms of non-violent direct action.

“Imagine if we had the current [situation] back in those days – we would have been proscribing the suffragettes, treating them as terrorists.”

Others have welcomed the move. Lord Walney, who served as the government’s independent adviser on political violence, told Sky News the decision was “long overdue”.

“Palestine Action have acted as the enemy within which is why it’s right, now, to crack down on them,” he said.

“They have terrorised working people for a number of years and there’s a number of serious violent charges that are going through the court system at the moment.”

The UK government is expected to announce its decision early next week.