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GREGG Wallace has vowed he “won’t go quietly” after being fired by the BBC.

The Masterchef star was sacked following a nine month investigation into claims of misconduct against him.

Rex

But he was exonerated of the most serious allegations levelled against him including accusations of groping.

The report is officially due out on Thursday, but his legal team have been given an early steer, according to insiders.

Gregg has put out a statement on Instagram today after being informed of the decision by production company Banijay.

He wrote: “I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly.

“But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.

“I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me.

“The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.

“My decision to go public now is also driven by the fact the BBC News division are intending to platform legally unsafe accusations, including claims which have already been investigated and not upheld by the BBC and found not credible by Silkins.

“The BBC is no longer providing balanced and impartial public service journalism. It is peddling baseless and sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories.

“The BBC is choosing to allow BBC News to run with this uncorroborated tittle tattle in an attempt to
‘get ahead of the Silkin’s summary report and derail what has been an extremely thorough process.

“This feels to me like BBC News is chasing slanderous click-bait rather than delivering impartial journalism.

“To be clear, the Silkin’s Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018.
I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation.

“But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.

“I was hired by the BBC and Master Chef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand.

“Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem.
My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef.

“Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years. That failure is now being quietly buried.

“Unfortunately, the full report (over 200 pages) will never be seen. Later this week, the BBC will publish a short Executive Summary.

“What really concerns me about the short summary is others who have been found guilty of serious allegations have been erased from the published version of events. I, and I’m sure the public, would like to know why?

“I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established.

“The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.

“Gregg Wallace.”

‘FURIOUS AND DEVASTATED’

This comes as a source revealed last night how the star is both “furious and devastated”.

“His team have seen the report and believe he is cleared of the most serious wrongdoing allegations, so he has taken great consolation from that,” they said.

“Whilst he is not excusing his inappropriate comments and innuendos – some of which he has been found against – on his recent autism diagnosis, this has been a mitigating factor.

“He has also been cleared of some of the higher profile allegations, including those brought on by Penny Lancaster and Kirsty Wark, but the BBC has made it clear there is no way back for him. He is devastated. 

“There have been so many people involved in all of this and obviously everyone, bar Gregg who now has nothing to lose, has a vested interest in protecting the money-spinning Masterchef brand.”

News of his axing comes nine months after production company Banijay launched an investigation into his behaviour on the smash BBC1 show, inviting anyone who had worked or appeared on it to share their experiences.

Thirteen complaints from women – which later rose to 30 – about historical allegations of misconduct were investigated, whilst Kristy Wark, Penny Lancaster, Vanessa Feltz, and Kirstie Allsopp also spoke out.

He was again publicly vilified after taking to Instagram to slam the lurid allegations coming from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”.

PA

The star was cleared of the most serious allegations against him[/caption]

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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ITV has confirmed that one of its most popular TV drama’s is to end after 11 years on screens.

Fans of Grantchester look set to be bitterly disappointed as the broadcaster confirmed the show will be over with its upcoming eleventh and final series.

Filming for the final episodes has already kicked off with an air date for its final ever run set to be announced in due course.

Former Hollyoaks actor Rishi Nair will return as handsome vicar Alphy Kottaram for the final series.

Confirming the end of the much-loved show, the series’ creator and writer, Daisy Coulam, said: “At its heart, Grantchester is a show about the power of friendship and love.

“We’ve been so lucky over the last 11 series to experience that on and off screen.

“For over a decade now – cast and crew (many who’ve been there since the beginning) have met each Summer to film. And it’s been an absolute joy. Thank you to James Runcie for entrusting us with his characters.

“Thank you to the lovely people of real Grantchester. Thank you to everyone who’s been a part of the show in any way – big or small.

“I’ll miss you terribly.” 

ITV

The programme has starred a number of famous faces[/caption]

THEY are not alone in trying to source tickets for the All-Ireland hurling final.

But, if 33 Palestinian kids and 17 adults succeed in getting into Croke Park for Cork and Tipperary’s showdown on Sunday week, it will pale into insignificance compared to the other obstacles they have had to overcome.

The group is due to arrive in Dublin on Friday week for a fortnight’s stay which has been overseen by GAA Palestine with clubs pulling together to give them the best possible experience.

For example, the weekend before last, St Oliver Plunkett Eoghan Ruadh’s Under-8 boys, Under-15 and minor girls teams joined forces to hold a fundraiser which brought in €2,315.

Flights for the group came in at around €40,000 but other costs have been brought right down with families across the country volunteering to put them up and Paddywagon providing free transport for the two weeks.

Already, though, logistics have ensured that they have had to drop their intention to include the six counties on their itinerary.

They have experienced lengthy delays in trying to obtain visas for them to travel to the Republic of Ireland without trying to negotiate a second process on top of that.

But a solution has been found whereby the clubs in Belfast and Derry which were due to host events for them will instead travel across the border to ensure they still play their part.

It will reinforce what might be seen as an unlikely bond between Ireland’s indigenous sports and a small, besieged corner of the Middle East.

The first and to date only GAA club was founded in Ramallah by English-born Irishman Stephen Redmond last year.

It was renamed the Moataz Sarsour after a club volunteer who was killed by the Israeli Defence Forces last August.

Curiously, it is hurling rather than football which has captured the imagination and become known as ‘the freedom sport’.

GAA Palestine posted a video of Quassy who used a slat from his bed in the tent he has lived in since his home in Gaza was destroyed, for a hurl to be crafted by a carpenter neighbour.

Clearly, getting people out of Gaza in the current circumstances is impossible with those travelling all coming from the West Bank.

The usual hold-ups by Israeli troops to cross into Egypt are anticipated but it is hoped their journey will otherwise pass off unhitched to allow them avail of Irish hospitality and offer some respite from their daily struggles.

• TO donate to the Dublin leg of the trip, visit www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/aislingmcgovern1.
• Or to donate to the Cork leg, go to www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/MuireannWalsh1.

REMOTE-controlled cyborg beetles wearing microchip backpacks could be used to save lives in horror disasters.

Two boffins at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane, Australia, are building the smallest search and rescue team.

SWNS

PhD scholar Lachlan Fitzgerald and Dr Thang Vo-Doan with two of the beetles[/caption]

SWNS

A darkling beetle equipped with a removeable microchip backpack[/caption]

SWNS

Scientists believe it could cut the time down it takes to find someone in rubble[/caption]

They say the plan could cut the time it takes to find someone trapped under rubble from days to hours.

The darkling beetles (Zophobas morio) can be controlled with video game controllers if they are fitted with the chips, Dr Thang Vo-Doan and Research Assistant Lachlan Fitzgerald have found.

The chips shock the beetles into moving in a certain direction by stimulating the insect’s antenna or hardened forewings known as elytrons.

So far, they’ve been able to move the cyborg bugs side-to-side and up vertical walls.

Dr Vo-Doan said: “Beetles possess many natural gifts that make them the masters of climbing and manoeuvring in small, complex spaces such as dense rubble, that are difficult for robots to navigate.

“Our work harnesses these gifts and adds programmable controls that allow for precise directional guidance, without affecting the lifespan of the beetle.”

The science is being done by a team of researchers at the Biorobotics lab in UQ’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, who hope to test the technology in a live situation within five years.

Fitzgerald said: “While robots at this scale have made strides in locomotion, the transition from horizontal surfaces to walls remains a formidable challenge for them.

“This difficulty arises from the need for active foot pads, soft environmental interactions, and sophisticated sensing capabilities – all things that our cyborg insects possess naturally that allows them to access any area that is required in a disaster environment.”

Dr Vo-Doan said while a tethered power supply had been used for the climbing test, the beetles were able to climb with a battery equivalent to its own body weight.

The team is next working on cameras and a compact and efficient power system to enhance the beetle’s mobility and versatility.

Dr Vo-Doan said: “If people have been trapped under an extensive amount of rubble, you want to be able to find them as quickly as possible and start planning how to get them out.

“We hope to produce a tool that can easily move through chaotic environments to pinpoint a person’s exact location, provide clues to any injuries, and give rescuers a picture of what needs to be done to free them”.

The cyborgs also use a minimal amount of power on each run compared with miniaturised robots that are currently being modelled.

SWNS

The boffins hope to be able to test the beetles in a real life situation in five years[/caption]

SWNS

Having the backpack attached doesn’t lower the beetle’s life expectancy[/caption]

It’s not the first time that beetles have been fitted with backpacks and used for search and rescue.

Scientists in China built beetles that wore backpacks and could be controlled remotely – but which also could test for carbon dioxide poisoning.

Boffins have also created a similar set of cyborg cockroaches.

Stuck on the back of real-life Madagascan hissing cockroaches, the chip sits on a panel that uses an infrared camera and a series of sensors to collect and send data to first responders.

The original idea for the hero insects comes from Professor Hirotaka Sato.

He witnessed the devastation caused by the 2011 Japanese earthquake first-hand and quickly realised there needed to be a faster and more effective way of finding survivors and victims.

He said: “Our motivation is purely to use this technology for search and rescue. To save people from disaster.”

MANILA, Philippines — Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez calls on lawmakers from Central and Southern Luzon — including former Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a former president — to support the administration’s legislative roadmap during the 20th Congress. Romualdez’s office confirmed that the 19th Congress Speaker on Tuesday gathered neophyte and

KEN Brown was shot to death in Leicestershire during the summer of 1994.

Here we take a look at what happened more than three decades ago in this shocking unsolved murder.

BBC

Ken Brown was shot at point-blank range on his farm on August 25, 1994[/caption]

YouTube

Despite numerous appeals and a cash reward being offered for information, the crime remains unsolved[/caption]

On the evening of August 25, 1994, Ken Brown, then aged 56, was tending to his chickens and geese at his £750,000 rural home located on the edge of Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire.

Despite having recently installed extra security measures due to concerns about safety, he was shot at point-blank range outside his isolated farmhouse.

Ken was discovered dead in his chicken coop, the victim of a single, close-range gunshot wound.

The murder took place at dusk, when he was carrying out his everyday evening routine.

The isolated nature of the property and lack of witnesses coming forward made the investigation particularly challenging for police.

Recluse

Ken’s neighbours reportedly said he lived reclusively.

Some even believed he had been living in fear before his death, which may have been why he beefed up his home security system.

Because of his financial success — the victim co-owned a chain of pubs, restaurants and hotels — possible motives including robbery or a personal vendetta were considered by investigators.

But there was no immediate proof of theft and the murder weapon was never recovered.

The lack of forensic evidence and absence of a clear motive hindered police progress.

The case became one of Leicestershire’s most notorious unsolved crimes, drawing significant media attention and public interest.

Extensive investigation

The police investigation was extensive; there were numerous appeals – including one on Crimewatch – and a cash reward was offered for information.

In 2004, Det Ch Insp Jim Donaghy said he believed somebody in Barrow could hold clues to unravelling the case.

He said: “People do talk, especially if they feel the attention is going off and the police are losing interest.

“That will never happen in this case. We constantly review these sorts of inquiries, murders and homicides.

Channel 4

Prof David Wilson and Emilia Fox investigate the crime on In the Footsteps of Killers[/caption]

“So if anyone has any more information I would ask them to come forward, pass that to me and let us be the judge of that and assess.”

Anyone with information should contact Leicestershire Police or ring Crimestoppers.

Despite these efforts, Ken’s killers have never been found.

In the Footsteps of Killers

Series three, episode four of the Channel 4 true crime docuseries investigates the killing of Ken Brown.

Presented by Silent Witness star Emilia Fox and Professor David Wilson, the programme investigates unsolved British murders, using a hybrid of documentary and drama techniques.

Each episode sees the presenters travel to the scene of a cold case, re-examine evidence, interview witnesses and attempt to uncover new leads using the latest forensic science and criminological research.

The episode of In the Footsteps of Killers examining the murder of Ken Brown airs on Channel 4 at 10 pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

DUNNES Stores shoppers are set for a frenzy over a cute new waistcoat in stores just in time for festival season.

The retailer has been releasing a steady stream of summer essentials, with options for any occasion.

DUNNES STORES

The Savida Arti Tie Waistcoat costs just €25[/caption]

DUNNES STORES

The colours mean the piece is very versatile for summer[/caption]

With festival season in full swing, many shoppers will be looking for the perfect pieces to complete their outfits.

Dunnes Stores has now brought out a brand new waistcoat that is perfect for any occasion.

And it’s the latest in a long line of popular waistcoats released by the retailer.

The Savida Arti Tie Waistcoat costs just €25 and is sure to become a wardrobe staple.

The waistcoat features short sleeves with a plunging v-neckline, making it perfect for the hot weather.

The white waistcoat comes with a green swirling patterns splashed across it, making an adorable floral design.

It features two ties in the centre, so you can decide what sort of fit you want.

Shoppers can get the fab piece in sizes XXS to XXL.

In an official item description on the Dunnes Stores website, fashion chiefs said: “This waistcoat from Savida is embroidered with swirling green and blue thread, highlighted by scattered mirror sequins throughout.

“It ties through the front with slim cords and is trimmed with a fine contrast edge that frames the flattering neckline. 

“Savida is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”

The waistcoat is perfect for summer, and is very versatile due to its colour scheme.

Shoppers could wear it open over a crop top, or closed with some jeans or a skirt.

The waistcoat is available both online and in stores now, but is set to sell out quick.

And it’s not the only waistcoat in stores that has shoppers in a frenzy.

The Gallery Knitted Gold Button Waistcoat is available in stores and online now.

‘TIMELESS LAYER’

The waistcoat comes in lemon, cobalt-blue and white.

It is priced at just €25 and is stocked in sizes XS to XL.

The retailer said: “This knitted waistcoat features a classic v-neck and a button-through front with hammered gold buttons.

“The split detailing at the front adds a contemporary touch to this timeless layer. 

“Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”

THE electronic line calling technology at Wimbledon failed AGAIN in another major blunder.

Wimbledon came under fire after the incident on Sunday when the Hawk-Eye Live system was deactivated and did not call a Sonay Kartal shout out despite landing well long.

Shutterstock Editorial

The chair umpire called for help after the Hawk Eye system failed at Wimbledon again[/caption]

And on Tuesday, the system malfunctioned yet again.

This time, it inexplicably declared “fault” in the middle of a rally during Taylor Fritz’s quarter-final with Karen Khachanov.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

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GREGG Wallace has been fired by the BBC following a nine month investigation into claims of misconduct against him.

However, the Masterchef star was exonerated of the most serious allegations levelled against him including accusations of groping.

Rex

BBC

Gregg was accused of making a series of inappropriate comments[/caption]

Gregg has put out a statement on Instagram today after being informed of the decision by production company Banijay.

He wrote: “I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly.

“But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.”

The report is officially due out on Thursday, but his legal team have been given an early steer, according to insiders.

Last night a source said: “Gregg is both furious and devastated about how things have played out.

“His team have seen the report and believe he is cleared of the most serious wrongdoing allegations, so he has taken great consolation from that.

“Whilst he is not excusing his inappropriate comments and innuendos – some of which he has been found against – on his recent autism diagnosis, this has been a mitigating factor.

“He has also been cleared of some of the higher profile allegations, including those brought on by Penny Lancaster and Kirsty Wark, but the BBC has made it clear there is no way back for him. He is devastated. 

“There have been so many people involved in all of this and obviously everyone, bar Gregg who now has nothing to lose, has a vested interest in protecting the money-spinning Masterchef brand.”

News of his axing comes nine months after production company Banijay launched an investigation into his behaviour on the smash BBC1 show, inviting anyone who had worked or appeared on it to share their experiences.

Thirteen complaints from women – which later rose to 30 – about historical allegations of misconduct were investigated, whilst Kristy Wark, Penny Lancaster, Vanessa Feltz, and Kirstie Allsopp also spoke out.

He was again publicly vilified after taking to Instagram to slam the lurid allegations coming from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”.

So widespread was the outrage that even Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned his comments as ‘”completely inappropriate and misogynistic.”

The dad of three was also brutally trolled on social media by viewers.

Whilst his tenure at the corporation is now over, he will be vindicated of some of the more high profile allegations thrown at him.

These include the bullying allegations brought by Penny Lancaster – prompted by husband Rod Stewart’s Instagram revelation describing Gregg as an “ill-mannered bully” who “humiliated” his wife on Celebrity Masterchef in 2021 – which were dismissed by Silkins after forensic analysis of the rushes.

Not known, clear with picture desk

Gregg has been cleared of allegations made by Penny Lancaster[/caption]

BBC

Kirsty Wark’s allegations have also been dismissed[/caption]

Getty

Rod Stewart spoke out against the treatment of Penny[/caption]

Gregg also gave evidence stating the falling-out was over whether an “orchid should stay on a bowl of soup or not”.

The Newsnight anchor’s evidence was also discredited after investigators were told she had been “dining out” on telling stories about Gregg including at the Edinburgh festival last year.

The claims of Gregg’s constant innuendos, which left crew in tears, former contestant Jackie Kearney have also been thrown out, it is understood.

The chef, who appeared on the show in 2011, coming fourth, and later returned as s guest judge, said  she had been “troubled” by the former greengrocers’s “household favourite status”, as she felt he was “a bit of a sleaze behind closed doors”.

There are two further clear categories in which he is believed to have been cleared altogether: nicknames for staff which some considered “demeaning” and being “direct” with contestants, both of which the investigation team say were unintentional.

It is understood his recent autism diagnosis has been used to explain away much of his language and inappropriate behaviour, and will be described as “unintentional” offence on Gregg’s part.

Again, investigators in the main attribute this to his autism and “black and white thinking”.

However, several allegations have been upheld, including that he got his private parts out, covered by a sock and opened his dressing room door shouting “hooray.”

He has also been found against in terms of his inappropriate language and repetition of sexualised jokes.

And pre-2018, he has a handful of bullying allegations upheld against him – but with “heavy caveats” in all cases.

The corporation is under enormous pressure to save money, and is unlikely to offer Gregg any former of pay-our or a redundancy package.

Olivia West

Gregg with wife Anna and their son Sid[/caption]

Three months ago the under-fire host, who has not been publicly backed by his long-standing Australian co-presenter, gave an interview in which he apologised for some of his actions, and any offence caused.

Gregg, awarded an MBE for services to food and broadcasting in 2022, also revealed he had had an autism diagnosis midway through the investigation.

He admitted that some of the inappropriate jokes were “probably true”, saying: “Some of what’s been said sounds like the sort of comments I’d have made.”

The star added: “I want to make it absolutely clear I’m not blaming my behaviour on my diagnosis, but it does explain a hell of a lot to me.

“Although I’m still trying to compute why, if my persona on the telly was pissing so many people off for all those years, nobody told me at the time.”

Handout

Gregg – pictured here with John Torode – will no longer be able to work for the BBC[/caption]

MARY Lou McDonald running in the Presidential election is not a media ploy and is being actively considered by Sinn Fein, deputy leader Pearse Doherty insists.

It comes as two groups of opposition parties in the Dail are in talks to put forward separate candidates for the Aras race with one runner possibly being announced in the coming days.

Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald had previously been categorical when ruling herself out as a possible candidate in the Presidential election – stating in March “it won’t be me.”

However, after receiving a report on what the party membership wants Sinn Fein to do when it comes to the Aras election, the leader has changed her tone.

On Monday, she said the party was not ruling anything out when it came to the Presidency “myself included.”

Sinn Fein sources told the Irish Sun they do not believe that Mary Lou is seriously being considered for the party’s nomination for the Presidency as she still holds the desire to become Ireland’s first female Taoiseach.

However, deputy leader Pearse Doherty today denied that floating Mary Lou McDonald as a contender for the Presidency was a media game to try to generate headlines.

The Donegal TD said: “No. The question was asked and the question was answered honestly.

“I’m doing the same thing again today so that’s the honest answer – nothing is ruled out and nothing is ruled in.”

Deputy Doherty said the option of running Mary Lou McDonald for the Presidency is under “active consideration” with a final decision still some way off for the party.

The deputy leader did not rule out putting himself forward for the Aras – or taking Mary Lou’s position as leader of the party if she was elected President.

Asked if he wanted to be leader of Sinn Fein, he said: “I think there is quite a number of hurdles and ifs and buts and maybes before that.

“Our key focus is obviously today in terms of the cost of living crisis we have and the motion we have down in terms of student fees.

“Obviously the Presidential campaign is going to be a very, very serious campaign and it will be an option to put forward a different view in terms of how Ireland should be going forward and whoever we decide to run or back in that campaign will have my full endorsement and whatever flows from that we will deal with that when it comes.”

LEFT LEANING CANDIDATE

Despite the talk of Mary Lou for President, Sinn Fein will still meet with the leaders of other opposition parties today to discuss the idea of coming together to back one left leaning candidate.

Labour, the Greens, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Sinn Fein are all involved in these talks with Galway TD Catherine Connolly and Senator Frances Black among the names being tipped as a consensus candidate.

However, Independent Ireland and Aontu have also held discussions with other independent TDs about banding together themselves to back their own runner in the race.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin today said there are two names being considered and a decision on the joint candidacy is expected by the end of the week.

He said: “We are talking to two very, very interesting characters. Individuals who would be well known in Irish society and individuals who we share a significant level of values with.

“We don’t agree with everything they have done or said in the past put I do think either of them would make a significant contribution to the Presidential debate.

“We’re not at liberty unfortunately to give any names. We will be meeting with one of those individuals today and I hope that the process will be completed by the end of the week.”

Nominations to become Fine Gael’s Presidential candidate opened this week with former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and MEP Sean Kelly among the runners.

Fianna Fail have yet to make a decision about whether to run a candidate at all with ex-Education Minister Mary Hanafin openly coveting the space.

Cate McCurry/PA Wire