Gregg Wallace looks unrecognisable with full head of hair in pics before TV fame
Gregg Wallace looks unrecognisable in a throwback photo showcasing his youthful looks and a full head of hair. The former MasterChef host, 60, has made headlines today following the report of substantiated allegations about his misconduct.
Today, production company Banijay upheld 45 allegations of inappropriate behaviour and misconduct against theThe report, conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin, found that the TV presenter's position on MasterChef had become "untenable" after a seven-month investigation into his behaviour.
The majority of complaints against him that were upheld related to sexual language and humour, while a smaller number related to him "being in a state of undress". Following the report, the BBC said they have "no plans" to work with Wallace again.
In the throwback photo, Wallace is almost unrecognisable as he sports dark hair and beams at the camera. Fans were initially puzzled about the identity of the person in the image.
Wallace, who became a household name over the past two decades, had a rocky start after being expelled from school at 15. He rose to fame on one of the UK's most popular cooking shows, leading to numerous spin-offs, and has penned several best-selling cookbooks.
Gregg has also presented a range of cookery programmes and documentaries for the BBC. The BBC have now said no decision has yet been made about whether to air the MasterChef series featuring Wallace which was filmed last year.
A spokesperson said: '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.'
The report found that 45 out of the 83 allegations made against him were substantiated, all relating to his time on MasterChef, which he had presented alongside John Torode since 2005.
Last week, before the report was published, Wallace spoke out in a lengthy post on social media saying that he had 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," he said.
"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.
"I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges, and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem."
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