Photo shows John Torode and Gregg Wallace both wearing suits and stood next to one another in front of the MasterChef logo

MasterChef – MasterChef hires anti-bullying consultants post Wallace and Torode sackings(Image: BBC/Shine TV)

MasterChef bosses have hired expert anti-bullying consultants after hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode were sacked following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Law firm Lewis Silkin upheld 45 out of 85 complaints against Wallace. It was later announced Torode’s contract would not be renewed after an upheld complaint of racist language against him, which he says he has no recollection of.

Determined to root out bad behaviour, production company Banijay have turned to the UK’s leading experts, Tell Jane, who are HR specialists in bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Tell Jane will investigate any unsavoury incidents and an anonymous reporting employee hotline called Speak Up! has been set up.

 

Undated BBC handout photo of John Torode and Grace Dent.

Grace Dent is one of the new hosts of the BBC programme(Image: PA)

Banijay have worked with them for several years on scripted productions but have extended them to cover unscripted, including MasterChef.

“Our people (both core staff and those working on our productions) are encouraged to seek support or raise concerns or issues with senior management, our HR team, Safeguarding Reps (on productions), Confidential Reps (core staff) or our confidential Speak Up! hotline,” paperwork submitted this month explains.

“We have engaged a third party, Tell Jane, across all unscripted and scripted productions to offer a confidential and independent whistleblowing service alongside our own internally run service.”

A Banijay spokesperson added: “Banijay UK provides multiple ways for staff and freelancers to raise issues when working on productions. This includes our own confidential whistleblowing line and external employee support lines including Tell Jane.”

John Torode, Gregg Wallace,Shine TV,S

Wallace is said to have launched a lawsuit against his former employers (Image: BBC/Shine TV)

The firm also makes Big Brother, Peaky Blinders and Deal or No Deal. Wallace was sacked after a 21-year stint, alongside Torode, both 60.

Food critic Grace Dent and chef Anna Haugh will replace them on the main show. Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt takes over from Wallace on MasterChef: The Professionals.

It comes as Wallace launched a High Court action against the BBC over his dismissal for inappropriate behaviour. He filed the lawsuit under the Media and Communications list, citing data protection concerns.

A BBC spokesman said: “We have not been formally notified of any legal proceedings, so at this stage we are unable to comment.”