MasterChef star Gregg Wallace denies 'sexual' comments after BBC probe
Gregg Wallace stated that he did not make any "sexual" comments during his appearance on a BBC quiz show over six years ago.
The 59-year-old MasterChef UK judge addressed claims regarding an incident from 2018 during his time on Impossible Celebrities, which the BBC looked into.
The Saturday night quiz program, presented by Rick Edwards, aired for eight seasons from 2017 to 2021.
According to a report by The Sun, a review by the BBC indicated that he is permitted to keep his job at the organization.
In an Instagram story after the main news report on Monday, Wallace stated: "The story making headlines today was thoroughly looked into by the BBC right after it occurred six years ago."
"As a result, I realize I never made any sexual remarks. It's important for me to emphasize this once more: I did not say anything sexual."
Wallace hosted the show Inside The Factory on BBC Two from 2015 to 2023. He eventually decided to step back from the program to dedicate more time to taking care of his son Sid, who is autistic and non-verbal. Sid is the child he shares with his wife, 39-year-old caterer Anne-Marie Sterpini.
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The couple tied the knot in 2016 at Haver Castle in Kent, with MasterChef co-host John Torode serving as the best man. They first connected three years earlier on Twitter when she sought his thoughts on the combination of duck and rhubarb.
In another brief video, the ex-grocer stated, "Regardless of what the newspapers are implying, no one accused me of flirting or making advances toward anyone six years ago."
"The reason I mention this is because of my wife, Anna. Throughout our 12 years together, I have always been faithful to her and have never approached anyone else romantically."
"It's essential to clarify that I remain loyal to my wife, so there's no chance of anyone misunderstanding that."
A representative from the BBC stated, "Although we don’t discuss specific individuals, we address any concerns that come up promptly and in a suitable manner."
"We have a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of unacceptable behavior and have strong measures established to address it."
Recently, the BBC has been navigating a tricky situation, facing criticism over welfare checks for participants on Strictly Come Dancing. Additionally, Jermaine Jenas, a presenter on The One Show, was let go after he acknowledged sending unsuitable messages to female coworkers.
Check out this: A Strictly contestant is feeling devastated after a widely shared incident involving their hand. Meanwhile, a woman has come forward as a victim of the longest catfishing scheme in the UK.
Wallace, who has gone through four marriages, has two kids named Tom and Libby from a previous relationship.
In 2019, he collaborated with his wife Anna, who works as a caterer, to write Gregg's Italian Family Cookbook.
Wallace has appeared on multiple BBC programs throughout the years, such as 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.
Last year, he received an MBE in recognition of his contributions to the food industry and charitable work.
Sky News has reached out to Wallace for more information.
