Gregg Wallace denies inappropriate comments on BBC show

Gregg Wallace has made allegations that he made inappropriate comments on a BBC game show more than six years ago. The 59-year-old MasterChef UK judge responded to reports of an alleged 2018 incident during his appearance on Impossible Celebrities, which was investigated by the BBC.

The Saturday night quiz show, hosted by Rick Edwards, aired for eight series between 2017 and 2021. According to The Sun, the BBC review concluded that Wallace could continue his work at the company.

In an Instagram story posted on Monday, Wallace stated: “The story that appeared in the newspapers this morning was immediately investigated by the BBC six years ago. The result was that I didn’t say anything sexual. I must repeat this: I did not say anything sexual.”

(1/2) ⬇️ MasterChef host Gregg Wallace has denied allegations that he made inappropriate comments to a female colleague on Impossible Celebrities in 2018.

Wallace claims the incident was investigated and no sexual comments were made. #GreggWallace #BBC #MasterChef pic.twitter.com/mdgVkzgoAk

— British Pakistan Index (@PakistaniIndex) October 14, 2024

Wallace hosted Inside The Factory on BBC Two from 2015 to 2023. He stepped down to focus on caring for his autistic and non-verbal son Sid, with his wife, 39-year-old caterer Anne-Marie Sterpini. The couple married in 2016 at Haver Castle in Kent, with MasterChef co-host John Torode as best man. They first connected on Twitter in 2013 when Sterpini asked Wallace’s opinion on pairing duck with rhubarb.

In another short video, Wallace refuted the newspaper’s suggestions. He said: ‘Despite what the papers suggest, no one accused me of flirting or hitting anyone six years ago. I have always been faithful to my wife Anna and have never flirted with or hit anyone since I met her 12 years ago.”

A BBC spokesperson commented: “While we do not comment on individuals, any concerns are dealt with quickly and appropriately. We do not tolerate inappropriate behavior and have robust processes in place.”

The BBC has recently faced criticism, including complaints about benefit checks for Strictly Come Dancing contestants and the sacking of One Show presenter Jermaine Jenas for sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues.

Wallace has been married four times and has two children, Tom and Libby, from a previous relationship. In 2019, he co-wrote Gregg’s Italian family cookbook with his current wife Anna. Wallace has appeared in several BBC programs including Saturday Kitchen, Eat Well For Less, Supermarket Secrets, Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals. He was also a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and was awarded an MBE last year for services to food and charity.

Sky News has contacted Wallace for further comment.