Gregg Wallace steps away from presenting MasterChef

Gregg Wallace is stepping away from his role presenting MasterChef on the BBC, while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated.

Gregg, 60, has been a co-host and judge on MasterChef since 2005, and is also involved in MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef.

The 17th series of MasterChef: The Professionals is currently being shown on the BBC, with the final due to air next month.

But going forwards, Gregg is stepping back from his role on the show.

A widely reported statement from MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK read: "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.

"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 under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating 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.

"If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakupbanijayuk.com in confidence."

A BBC spokesman said: "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."

Gregg, who also hosted shows such as Inside The Factory and Eat Well For Less, was awarded an MBE in 2022, for his services to food and charity.