Gregg Wallace’s final series of MasterChef may never air, as the BBC faces growing pressure following his dismissal and a wave of new misconduct allegations.
The embattled TV star, 60, who was sacked as MasterChef presenter this week following a nine-month investigation into sexual misconduct, is now facing 50 fresh allegations.
According to reports, the broadcaster is considering pulling the upcoming series entirely or placing it on iPlayer only, allowing viewers to opt in with full knowledge that Wallace features.
“Editing him out is not an option,” a source told The Sun. “Either way, it is a major headache for the BBC and could be a final crushing blow for Gregg.”
The latest claims include 11 allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour.
One woman said Wallace pulled his trousers down in a dressing room, while another alleged he groped her under the table during filming.
A student claimed he pinched her bottom while posing for a photo in a nightclub, and others allege a pattern of inappropriate comments across various shows.
Wallace has strongly denied any sexually harassing behaviour and is said to be preparing legal action against the BBC or MasterChef producers Banijay.
He has reportedly hired Dan Morrison, the lawyer who represented Nigel Farage during the Coutts bank row.
Wallace also claims his recent autism diagnosis was not properly taken into account during the investigation.
“The BBC did nothing to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years,” he said in a statement issued online following news of his dismissal.
Investigators concluded that some of Wallace’s behaviour, including using demeaning nicknames for staff and being overly direct with contestants, was unintentional and linked to his condition. However, a number of complaints were upheld.
Wallace said he had been cleared of the most serious and sensational accusations but was still dismissed.
“I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others,” he wrote on Instagram.
The BBC is expected to publish an executive summary of the 200-page report today (July 10). Wallace’s legal team is calling for the full findings to be released, claiming others accused of misconduct may have been omitted.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: "Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published."
A Banijay spokesperson told Sky News: "We won't be commenting until our report is published." They have signalled the report will be published later this week or next.
The Standard has contacted representatives for the BBC and for Wallace for further comment.
