The BBC is facing a new crisis over whether or not to show an unaired season of MasterChef that features Gregg Wallace prominently.
Yesterday it was revealed that 50 more people had approached the corporation with fresh claims about the TV presenter, who is at the centre of a sexual misconduct investigation.
Last year the 60-year-old confirmed he was stepping away from MasterChef amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct.
He faced accusations of making ‘inappropriate sexual jokes’ and lewd comments on set, asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff and undressing in front of and standing ‘too close’ to women working on his shows.
Wallace and his lawyers have fiercely denied the allegations, saying ‘it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature’.
But now, according to the Guardian, BBC director general Tim Davie is facing a tough decision over whether or not to air the latest series of MasterChef that features Wallace.
The publication report that this year’s series, which was recorded in 2024, shows Wallace as a judge right up until the series finale.
Wallace’s presence throughout is believed to be so significant that editing him out is ‘not a realistic option’.
But if the series is shelved, it could see contestants denied life-changing opportunities.
After BBC News revealed that 50 more individuals had spoken out against Wallace, the TV presenter hit back at the corporation in a scathing social media post.
Writing on Instagram, he said: ‘After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.
‘I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me.
‘The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.
‘My decision to go public now is also driven by the fact the BBC News division are intending to platform legally unsafe accusations, including claims which have already been investigated and not upheld by the BBC and found not credible by Silkins.’
Wallace continued: ‘To be clear, the Silkin’s Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018.
‘I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.’
According to BBC News, one woman – Alice – says Wallace took his trousers down in front of her in a dressing room, in what she described as ‘disgusting and predatory’ behaviour.
However, despite raising concerns she was reportedly told by a senior member of Shine’s production team: “You’re over 16, you’re not being ‘Jimmy Saviled’.”
Last night it was also revealed that a source told The Sun that Wallace had a ‘suspected heart attack’ just days before the Silkins report was set to be released.
The source said Wallace claimed he went to the hospital in Kent after suffering chest pains.
‘The stress of this betrayal brought on my suspected heart attack. It’s been hell,’ he reportedly told a friend.
A BBC spokesperson told Metro: ‘Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace.
We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
