MasterChef producers issue statement on Gregg Wallace quitting show after 19 years due to investigation

Following the news confirming that MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace is to step away from his role on the BBC series due to historical misconduct allegations, producers of the TV show have issued a statement.

Wallace, 60, has been the co-presenter and judge of MasterChef, alongside John Torode, since 2005.

Banijay UK, who are the production company behind the TV show, said in a statement: "This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.

Gregg Wallace has presented MasterChef since 2005 (Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.

“While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process.

“Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.

“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”

It added: “If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact [email protected] in confidence.”

It was previously reported that Wallace had faced accusations of inappropriate sexual comments while appearing on Impossible Celebrities in 2018, in which it emerged that the allegations claimed he had taken his top off and bragged about past sexual experiences.

Wallace will be stepping away from Masterchef amidst the investigation (BBC)

The BBC's previous investigation into the claims found that Wallace could continue working for the broadcaster, and last month, Wallace himself responded to the allegations on Instagram.

He wrote: "The story that’s hitting the newspapers this morning was investigated promptly when it happened six years ago by the BBC.

“And the outcome of that was that I hadn’t said anything sexual. I’ll need to repeat this again. I didn’t say anything sexual.”

A spokesperson for the BBC stated: "We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.

“We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.

“Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”