Gregg Wallace Steps Down from "MasterChef" Amid 17-Year Misconduct Probe; Kirsty Wark Among 13 Accusers

Nov 28, 2024, 01:14 PM

Gregg Wallace, 60, co-host of the BBC's "MasterChef," is stepping away from the show amid an investigation into historical misconduct allegations spanning 17 years. The show's production company, Banijay UK, confirmed that complaints have been made to the BBC by individuals regarding these allegations. Among the 13 accusers is former "Newsnight" host Kirsty Wark, who claimed that Wallace made inappropriate sexual comments and told "sexualised jokes" during the filming of "Celebrity MasterChef" in 2011. Sir Rod Stewart also accused Wallace of "humiliating" his wife, Penny Lancaster, during the same program. Wallace's lawyers have denied the allegations, stating that it is entirely false that he engages in behavior of a sexually harassing nature. Despite the ongoing investigation, "MasterChef: The Professionals" will air as scheduled on BBC One.