BBC admit new series of MasterChef is still hanging in the balance after Gregg Wallace axe and apologise to contestants
The MasterChef star, 60, who was diagnosed as autistic midway through the investigation into complaints against him, was sacked after the BBC concluded he is unable to change his ways.
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Now the findings of a long investigation into 30 historic complaints were unveiled today in a report.
A total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Gregg during his time on the show were substantiated, including one allegation of "unwelcome physical contact".
The corporation said the possibility of Gregg returning to MasterChef was "untenable".
And they also issued a statement on the future of the new series of MasterChef, saying that, at this time, 'we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year.'
The statement acknowledged that this might come as "disappointing" news.
The full statement read: 'We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace. In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace's return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has ' informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future.
'The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.
'Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.
'We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace's behaviour.
Grace Dent replaces Gregg Wallace on MasterChef after he stepped back amid 'grope' probe
'Lewis Silkin's findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals. The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority.
'The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production.
'At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.
'In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met. This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards.
'We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.'
Grace Dent is set to be announced as the replacement for Gregg on MasterChef UK, The Sun on Sunday revealed.
The food critic, 51, is understood to start filming for MasterChef UK alongside chef John Torode, 59, at the end of the summer.
A source said: ' Grace is a natural fit for the show as she is also hosting Celebrity MasterChef alongside John.
'Grace loves to support up-and-coming talent in the industry and loves the format of the show.
'Filming is expected to start at the end of the summer through December.
'They are also filming at new studios in Birmingham so it will be a fresh start all round.'
Alongside her successful journalism career as food critic Grace has been doing more mainstream TV, and starred on I'm A Celeb in 2023.
She walked from the jungle after nine days, citing 'medical grounds.'
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Daily Mirror
27 minutes ago
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His Instagram statement read: "Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld. For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. "The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards. "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence." Following Torode's statement, BBC Director General Tim Davies has addressed the scandal today. When asked if Torode must follow Gregg Wallace out the door and leave MasterChef, Davie said: "In terms of the report that was done it had very clear learnings. "I'm sure you'll have seen the summary that had all the allegations against Greg Wallace. It also had two allegations upheld on two individuals. I think people appreciate that I cannot now talk about individuals as we go through the process and Banijay lead the process to take appropriate action on what they found through those upheld complaints." "What I would say is there has to be follow up. So the BBC, in some ways, were quite simple on this, which is, if someone has found to not live to the values we expect the independent company Banijay in this case, to take action and report back to us on what they have done. "These aren't BBC employees, but we absolutely expect action to be taken. That's the first thing I'd say. But I can't comment, and I hope you appreciate this on individual conversations." And when asked if the future of Masterchef is safe with or without Torode, Davie said: "I absolutely think it does. I think a great program that's well loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show." It comes after former MasterChef host Wallace previously said he "wouldn't go quietly" after he was sacked from the BBC show by its production company Banijay. On Monday Wallace responded to the publication of the MasterChef review, saying that he 'challenged' the groping claim against him that was upheld, but lost. The presenter insisted that 'none of the serious allegations against me were upheld' even though the review found him guilty of the 'unwanted touching' plus three counts of being in 'a state of undress'. And holding the BBC responsible for not doing enough to help him to change, he warned that there would be more problems down the line. 'In the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake. To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered." In a statement to the PA news agency, Wallace said: 'For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended. 'I'm relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. 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28 minutes ago
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