MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has spoken out after a report into his inappropriate behaviour was released earlier today – admitting ‘it’s been brutal’

Gregg Wallace has finally spoken out on the many misconduct allegations against him. The 60-year-old has admitted he “never set out to harm or humiliate” and is “deeply sorry for any distress”. It comes after the MasterChef star was sacked following a lengthy investigation that upheld 45 out of the 83 allegations made against him.

He told PA: “For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld.

“I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching, but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.”

He said he was relieved the report “fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018”. Wallace continued: “Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off.

“After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I’ve only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier.”

Wallace, who was diagnosed with autism during the investigation, said his late diagnosis has helped him understand how he communicates and how he is perceived.

He added: “I’m still learning. Banijay has given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by the media and the damage it leaves in its wake.

“To those who’ve shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won’t be the last.

Gregg Wallace appeared on MasterChef for 20 years (Image: Getty)

“There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.”

Earlier today, the BBC confirmed Wallace would not return to any of its programmes and admitted opportunities had been missed to deal with his behaviour.

Production company Banijay, which commissioned law firm Lewis Silkin to carry out the investigation, and the BBC said the number of sustained allegations made his return to MasterChef untenable.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the claims against the star were “horrendous and appalling” and welcomed the BBC’s decision to end its association with the former greengrocer.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept that more could and should have been done sooner.”