THE BBC have admitted that the new series of MasterChef is still hanging in the balance, after Gregg Wallace was axed, and apologised to the show contestants.
The MasterChef star, 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 have admitted that the new series of MasterChef is still hanging in the balance, after Gregg Wallace was axed, and apologised to the show contestants[/caption]
Gregg presented the show alongside John Torode[/caption]
The statement acknowledged that this might come as “disappointing” news.[/caption]
Now the findings of a long investigation into 30 historic complaints were unveiled today in a report.
A total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Gregg during his time on the show were substantiated, including one allegation of “unwelcome physical contact”.
The corporation said the possibility of Gregg returning to MasterChef was “untenable”.
And they also issued a statement on the future of the new series of MasterChef, saying that, at this time, “we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year.”
The statement acknowledged that this might come as “disappointing” news.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
MasterChef facts
MASTERCHEF has been a staple BBC series for years – but what are the key details?
- MasterChef launched on BBC One back in 1990
- It ran until 2001, then was revived in 2005 as MasterChef Goes Large
- John Torode joined the revamped series in 2005, where he teamed up with Gregg Wallace as hosts
- Controversial moments? In March 2018, Gregg refused to judge Zaleha Kadir Olpin’s stewed chicken rendang dish as he claimed it was ‘not crispy enough and could not be eaten.’
“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.”
Grace Dent is set to be announced as the replacement for Gregg on MasterChef UK, The Sun on Sunday revealed.
The food critic, 51, is understood to start filming for MasterChef UK alongside chef John Torode, 59, at the end of the summer.
A source said: “Grace is a natural fit for the show as she is also hosting Celebrity MasterChef alongside John.
“Grace loves to support up-and-coming talent in the industry and loves the format of the show.
“Filming is expected to start at the end of the summer through December.
“They are also filming at new studios in Birmingham so it will be a fresh start all round.”
Alongside her successful journalism career as food critic Grace has been doing more mainstream TV, and starred on I’m A Celeb in 2023.
She walked from the jungle after nine days, citing “medical grounds.”
Gregg was diagnosed as autistic midway through the investigation[/caption]
