Gregg Wallace’s return to MasterChef is ‘untenable’ (Image: BBC)
MasterChef bosses have issued an apology to the most recent contestants and anyone affected by Gregg Wallace’s actions, as the BBC show’s future hangs in the balance. It comes as the presenter was axed from the cooking show after more than 80 allegations of inappropriate behaviour, resulting in an investigation by the broadcaster.
Wallace, 60, who was diagnosed as autistic midway through the investigation into complaints against him, was sacked after the BBC concluded he is unable to change his ways. The BBC show’s production company, Banijay UK, published a report of the investigations this week which said that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations were substantiated, and the corporation said that the possibility of Gregg returning to MasterChef was “untenable”. Following the report, the BBC released a statement with some “disappointing” news for fans as it admitted: “We are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year.”
Wallace faced more than 80 allegations (Image: Getty)
The full statement read: “We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace. In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future.”
It continued: “The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.
“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 more could and should have been done sooner.”
An apology was then issued, as the statement read: “We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour.
The future of MasterChef hangs in the balance (Image: BBC/Shine TV)
“Lewis Silkin’s findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals. The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority.
“The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production.
“At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.
“In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met. This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards.”
It concluded: “We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.”
