Masterchef star Gregg Wallace denies making ‘inappropriate sexual comments’ to colleague

Gregg Wallace has made claims that he is under investigation for making inappropriate comments to a female BBC staff member.

The 59-year-old Masterchef star – who has been married to fourth wife Anne-Marie Sterpini since 2016 – is said to have faced ‘allegations about his behaviour’ in 2018 after he reportedly bragged about his personal life while working on the game show Impossible Celebrities.

He has now insisted that he was acquitted of everything at the time.

Wallace – who was awarded an MBE in 2023 – discussed the situation in a video shared on Instagram: “Good morning. Citing what has been reported in the newspapers, these allegations were investigated by the BBC six years ago.

“The allegations were investigated by the BBC six years ago and my comments were not found to be sexual. I repeat, not sexually.

“There’s another thing I feel very strongly about – strongly enough to be on Instagram – no one has accused me of flirting with anyone or hitting anyone six years ago or since.

“And that is important to me and I say this for my wife Anna, with whom I have remained faithful and deeply in love since the day I met her. I don’t want anyone to misunderstand this and give the impression that I was flirting with someone.

“No one has accused me of that and I never have.”

The team member was said to be ‘mortified’ by the TV star’s alleged action, although at the time he is believed to have believed it was all ‘banter’.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “Gregg was accused of making inappropriate comments to a younger female member of the production team.

“He would brag about his sex life with his partner at the time. At one point, Gregg was also accused of taking off his top in front of the woman, which felt inappropriate. Gregg seemed to think it was all just banter and reportedly made some comments to the live audience as well.

“The team working on the show were shocked and told BBC executives what had happened.”

According to reports, Wallace was told by bosses to “change his behaviour” but the broadcaster does not comment on individuals and insisted all issues would be dealt with in a “swift” manner.

In a statement, the BBC said: “While we do not comment on individuals, any issues that arise are dealt with quickly and appropriately. We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behavior and have robust processes in place.”

The Standard has contacted a representative for Gregg Wallace for additional comment.