Gregg Wallace, the long-time face of MasterChef, has taken to social media to defend himself against a string of historical allegations, saying the complaints come from “middle-class women of a certain age.” The TV presenter stepped back from hosting duties last week while the BBC investigates claims of misconduct spanning 17 years.
“It’s Not Right” – Wallace Defends Himself Online
Posting videos on Instagram early Sunday morning (and looking like he’d barely had his first coffee), Wallace addressed the allegations head-on. “I’ve worked with over 4,000 contestants,” he said, emphasising the diversity of his colleagues. “All different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. Apparently, there’ve been 13 complaints in that time.”
The 60-year-old didn’t mince his words when it came to who he thought was behind the accusations. “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.” In a second video, he threw in a bold counterpoint: “In over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many female contestants on MasterChef have made sexual remarks or innuendo? Can you imagine?”
Denials and Fallout
Wallace’s legal team issued a statement to the BBC, firmly denying the claims: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.” The allegations include inappropriate comments made to staff and celebrity guests, with one notable claim coming from Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark. She said Wallace used “sexualised language in front of a number of people” during her stint on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011.
Even Sir Rod Stewart weighed in, accusing Wallace of “humiliating” his wife Penny Lancaster during a 2021 episode. Wallace, for his part, hasn’t directly addressed these specific claims yet, though he’s clearly not short of opinions on the broader controversy.
MasterChef Investigates
The show’s production company, Banijay UK, has urged anyone with allegations to come forward confidentially via an independent legal firm, Lewis Silkin. “All information will be handled sensitively,” a spokesperson said. Banijay confirmed that Wallace has agreed to “fully co-operate” with the investigation. Wallace has been a cornerstone of the MasterChef brand since 2005, hosting spin-offs including Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.
Dropped by Autism Charity
Adding to his woes, the charity Ambitious About Autism cut ties with Wallace on Friday, citing the “recent allegations.” Wallace has a five-year-old son, Sid, who is autistic and non-verbal, and had been an ambassador for the charity.
Where Does This Leave Gregg?
For now, Wallace is fighting the allegations while his future at MasterChef hangs in the balance. He’s committed to co-operating with the investigation, but his Instagram videos suggest he’s not ready to step away quietly. Whether his defence resonates with the public—or just adds fuel to the fire—remains to be seen. But as far as Wallace is concerned, it seems he’s far from ready to hang up his apron.
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