In a statement released on July 14, 2025, the BBC disclosed that it would no longer work with Gregg Wallace, the well-known host of its popular culinary series "MasterChef." This decision follows a comprehensive investigation that substantiated multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against him, with 45 of the 83 complaints found to have merit.
Wallace, who has led the show for nearly two decades, faced claims ranging from inappropriate comments and humor to instances of unwelcome physical contact. The investigation, carried out by the law firm Lewis Silkin, entailed interviews with 78 witnesses over seven months and spanned incidents reported from 2005 to 2024.
The report highlighted an "overwhelming volume and consistency" of claims, making Wallace's return to the show "untenable," according to the production company Banijay. The findings have raised serious concerns about Wallace's conduct during his tenure on the program.
In response to the allegations, Wallace, who has denied many claims, took to Instagram to express his regret over his past behavior. He acknowledged that some of his humor and language were "inappropriate" and extended an apology for any offense caused. However, he also emphasized that he felt misrepresented by the narrative surrounding him, stating that he was initially cast as a "cheeky greengrocer" with a distinctive personality that now appears problematic in today’s context.
As the BBC moves forward without Wallace, the future of "MasterChef" remains uncertain, with many viewers and fans left to contemplate the implications of this major shake-up in the esteemed cooking show.
