BBC has received complaints relating to historical allegations of misconduct 

Gregg Wallace is stepping away from MasterChef as Banijay UK undertakes an external review into allegations of misconduct by the presenter and judge. 

In a statement, the super-indie said the BBC received complaints from individuals this week relating to historical allegations of misconduct while working with Wallace “on one of our shows”. 

Jon Torode and Gregg Wallace

Gregg Wallace (right) has presented and judged MasterChef alongside John Torode since the format’s revival in 2005

“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 statement went on. 

“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.” 

It continued: “Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.” 

MasterChef is made by Banijay label Shine TV and Wallace has presented and judged the BBC1 format since its revival in 2005, as well as serving in the same capacity on its spin-offs Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.  

Banijay stated that its duty of care to staff is “always a priority” and that its expectations of conduct are “made clear” to cast and crew on all of its productions. 

It added that it “clearly promotes” multiple ways on set for personnel to raise concerns, including anonymously, urging anyone who would like to talk or raise concerns to contact speakup@banijayuk.com.  

Jon Torode and Gregg Wallace

Gregg Wallace (right) has presented and judged MasterChef alongside John Torode since the format’s revival in 2005

In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said that it takes any issues raised with it “seriously”, with “robust” processes in place to handle them.

They continued: “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.” 

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