Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has launched legal proceedings against the BBC, filing a data protection claim in the High Court.
The case marks the latest twist in the fallout from his dismissal earlier this summer, though the exact details of the claim have not yet been disclosed.
Wallace, 60, fronted the hit cooking competition for two decades before being removed following an independent investigation commissioned by production company Banijay and carried out by an external law firm.
The inquiry examined 83 separate allegations about his behaviour, upholding 45 of them.
The report found that Wallace had made inappropriate sexual remarks and culturally insensitive comments, undressed in front of colleagues on several occasions and engaged in one incident of unwelcome physical contact.
Wallace and his legal team have consistently denied the allegations, insisting “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.” However, he did apologise for what he described as a “difference in perception” around one case of unwanted touching, adding: “I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.”
The BBC said it had not yet been formally notified of Wallace’s claim and therefore could not comment.
Wallace’s former co-presenter John Torode was also implicated in the review, which alleged he had used a racial slur — an accusation Torode said he did not recall.
Both men were subsequently dismissed, though the broadcaster chose to air the most recent series they had already filmed.
Director General Tim Davie later told MPs that most contestants wanted the show to be broadcast, but acknowledged that the consequences for Wallace and Torode were “very significant”.
The BBC has since announced a new presenting line up, with food critic Grace Dent and chef Anna Haugh stepping in as hosts.
Dent, a long time guest critic on the show, said she was “thrilled” to return and looked forward to “unearthing what culinary skills people have been cooking up behind closed doors.”
Haugh, who previously judged MasterChef: The Professionals in 2022, added she was “delighted to be back” alongside Dent and promised “a great competition.”
While Wallace’s current case concerns alleged data protection breaches, insiders have suggested he may also explore further legal action, including on claims he was discriminated against due to his recent autism diagnosis.
