Gregg Wallace has addressed allegations that he made inappropriate remarks while on a BBC game show over six years ago. The 59-year-old MasterChef UK judge responded to reports of an alleged incident from 2018 during his appearance on Impossible Celebrities, which the BBC investigated.
The Saturday night quiz show, hosted by Rick Edwards, aired for eight series between 2017 and 2021. According to The Sun, the BBC review concluded that Wallace could continue his work with the corporation.
In an Instagram story posted on Monday, Wallace stated, “The story hitting the newspapers this morning was investigated promptly by the BBC six years ago. The outcome was that I hadn’t said anything sexual. I need to repeat this: I didn’t say anything sexual.”
(1/2) ⬇️ MasterChef host Gregg Wallace has denied allegations of making inappropriate comments to a female colleague on Impossible Celebrities in 2018.
Wallace claims the incident was investigated, and no sexual comments were made. #GreggWallace #BBC #MasterChef pic.twitter.com/mdgVkzgoAk
— British Pakistani Index (@PakistaniIndex) October 14, 2024
Wallace hosted Inside The Factory on BBC Two from 2015 until 2023. He stepped down to focus on caring for his autistic and non-verbal son, Sid, with his wife, 39-year-old caterer Anne-Marie Sterpini. The couple married in 2016 at Haver Castle in Kent, with MasterChef co-presenter John Torode as best man. They initially connected on Twitter in 2013 when Sterpini asked for Wallace’s opinion on pairing duck with rhubarb.
In another brief video, Wallace refuted the newspaper suggestions. He said, “Despite what the newspapers suggest, nobody accused me of flirting or hitting on anyone six years ago. I have always been true to my wife Anna and have never flirted with or hit on anyone since meeting her 12 years ago.”
A BBC spokesman commented, “Whilst we do not comment on individuals, if issues are raised, they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately. We do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour and have robust processes in place.”
The BBC has faced recent scrutiny, including complaints about welfare checks for Strictly Come Dancing contestants and the dismissal of One Show presenter Jermaine Jenas for sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues.
Wallace has been married four times and has two children, Tom and Libby, from a previous relationship. In 2019, he co-wrote Gregg’s Italian Family Cookbook with his current wife, Anna. Wallace has appeared on various BBC programmes, including Saturday Kitchen, Eat Well For Less, Supermarket Secrets, Celebrity MasterChef, and MasterChef: The Professionals. He was also a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and was made an MBE for services to food and charity last year.
Sky News has reached out to Wallace for further comment.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Telegraph reports Gregg Wallace denies allegations of inappropriate comments and flirting, stating they were “just banter” and not sexual in nature, despite past workplace issues.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Gregg Wallace say about the allegations against him?
Wallace said the BBC investigated the allegations and found he hadn’t said anything sexual.
What show was Gregg Wallace appearing on when the alleged incident happened?
The alleged incident happened during his appearance on Impossible Celebrities.
Why did Gregg Wallace step down from Inside The Factory?
Wallace stepped down to focus on caring for his autistic and non-verbal son, Sid.
Who is Gregg Wallace’s current wife?
Gregg Wallace’s current wife is Anne-Marie Sterpini, whom he married in 2016.
What other TV shows has Gregg Wallace appeared on?
Wallace has appeared on shows including Saturday Kitchen, Eat Well For Less, and Celebrity MasterChef.