Focus on Gregg Wallace, Glastonbury and Gaza as BBC releases annual report
The corporation will highlight its successes over the past year and disclose the pay of its top talent, but focus is likely to be on a storm of stories about the BBC's shows and coverage of live events.
It comes after Ofcom announced it would investigate the BBC's Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone documentary after a review found it had breached the corporation's editorial guidelines on accuracy.
The regulator said it had examined the BBC report and would be investigating under its broadcasting code, which states factual programmes 'must not materially mislead the audience'.
The programme was removed from BBC iPlayer in February after it emerged that the child narrator, Abdullah, is the son of Ayman Alyazouri, who has worked as Hamas's deputy minister of agriculture.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: 'Having examined the BBC's findings, we are launching an investigation under our rule which states that factual programmes must not materially mislead the audience.'
The review, conducted by Peter Johnston, the director of editorial complaints and reviews, which is independent of BBC News, said the programme was in breach of accuracy for 'failing to disclose information about the child narrator's father's position within the Hamas-run government'.
But the review found no other breaches of editorial guidelines, including breaches of impartiality, and also found no evidence that outside interests 'inappropriately impacted on the programme'.
The BBC will also face scrutiny after a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations of misconduct made against former MasterChef presenter Wallace during his time on the show were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact', in a report following an investigation into his behaviour.
On Monday, Wallace's MasterChef co-host John Torode confirmed he had a standalone allegation of racist language upheld in the same report.
He said had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation in an Instagram post.
In November 2024 the show's production company, Banijay UK, announced Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated.
The report concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated'.
Also expected to be on the agenda is coverage of Glastonbury, which saw the broadcaster livestream a set by punk duo Bob Vylan, during which singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'.
Director-general Tim Davie confirmed on Monday that staff at the festival had the authority to cut the stream
Avon and Somerset Police have since launched an investigation into the group's set with the BBC issuing an apology for the live stream, and promising to no longer broadcast live acts they deem 'high risk' as they had with Bob Vylan in a pre-festival assessment.
The Ipswich-formed duo, who are completed by drummer Bobbie Vylan, are also being investigated by the Met Police for alleged comments in a video of their performance supporting Iggy Pop at Alexandra Palace in May.
In the video, Vylan appears to say: 'Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF.'
According to reports in The Times, the BBC's director of music Lorna Clarke was among a group of senior staff who have stepped back from their day-to-day roles after the broadcaster's decision to show Bob Vylan's set live.
The salary of former Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker is expected to be included in the report, after he left his presenting role early following a social media row after he shared a post about Zionism which featured a depiction of a rat, historically an antisemitic insult.
Lineker, who issued an unreserved apology, was the BBC's highest-paid presenter until his departure, with the annual report for 2023/24 showing his salary to be to around £1.35 million a year.
The presenter will no longer front the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the FA Cup next season, with his final appearance on Match Of The Day at the end of the last Premier League season.
It comes as it was announced that Mr Davie and BBC chairman Samir Shah will face questions from MPs over the documentary, Wallace, and its Glastonbury coverage.
The two will appear before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on September 9.
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Daily Mail
19 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Lorraine Kelly swipes at 'strange and inappropriate' Gregg Wallace for 'trying to get ahead of BBC sacking' with string of 'bizarre' statements
Lorraine Kelly took a swipe at 'strange and inappropriate' Gregg Wallace on her breakfast show on Tuesday. The TV presenter, 65, shared her views on the axed MasterChef host's BBC sacking and blasted his string of 'bizarre' statements. Gregg hit out at the BBC on Monday after a probe upheld more than half of the complaints of inappropriate behaviour against him as he warned he 'won't be the last' to be cancelled. The report into Gregg's behaviour on the cooking show upheld 45 out of 83 complaints made, including one count of 'unwanted physical contact', leaving the BBC to admit it 'could and should have' acted sooner on the MasterChef host. The damning investigation also found that two complaints about the behaviour of 'other people' were upheld. Speaking about the scandal, Lorraine said: ' Gregg Wallace has released a statement, many statements. He's tried to get ahead of this a lot and he's said many, in my opinion, inappropriate things.' 'It's just quite strange because he has a little boy who has autism as well - I find that bizarre, I find that very strange. 'What's interesting though is those around him who enabled him to be like that', Lorraine added. While apologising for any 'distress' he caused, Gregg took aim at the MasterChef broadcaster, which he claims has valued 'protecting its legacy' over 'protecting people'. Warning that it was 'dangerous' to be a 'working-class man with a direct manner' in the world of broadcasting, he said he 'won't be the last' to face cancellation. The presenter said: '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. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last. 'There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.' Patrick Holland, CEO of MasterChef production company Banijay, said he was 'extremely sorry' to those who had been impacted by Wallace's behaviour and added that the report makes the star's 'return to MasterChef untenable'. The report into Gregg's inappropriate behaviour on MasterChef has upheld 45 of the 83 complaints against the disgraced star Wallace's statement, supplied to the PA news agency before being published on Instagram, noted that he 'never set out to harm or humiliate' anyone and that he was 'deeply sorry for any distress caused'. He said his 'late autism diagnosis' - which he received while he stepped back from MasterChef at the end of last year - has helped him to understand how he communicates and how he is perceived. He 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. 'After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier. 'A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning. Banijay have given me great support, and I thank them.' Gregg Wallace has hit out at the BBC with a new statement after 45 of 83 complaints against him were upheld in an independent probe Wallace's fiery statement comes just days after he said he would 'not go quietly' in a post which has since been deleted from his Instagram page. The BBC said the investigation into a 'substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct' over 19 years highlighted behaviour that falls below the corporation's values. '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,' a spokesman added. 'We accept more could and should have been done sooner.' The corporation would not confirm whether they will broadcast the series of MasterChef they filmed with him last Autumn. A spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Downing Street welcomed the fact the BBC had 'severed ties' with Wallace, adding: 'We're clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future.' The seven-month investigation, conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin, heard 83 allegations from 41 complainants against Wallace, all relating to his time on the cookery programme. It also found that 10 standalone allegations were made against 'other people', from 2012 to 2019, with two claims, relating to swearing and racist language being upheld. The majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94 per cent) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018. Only one allegation was substantiated post 2018. The majority of substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual language and humour. A smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated. One allegation of unwanted physical contact was substantiated. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the allegations against Wallace were 'horrendous and appalling', and she welcomed the BBC's decision to end its association with the MasterChef presenter. The investigation team found evidence that during the period from 2005 to 2024, six complaints were raised with the production company and 6 with the BBC (four of which had also been raised with the production company). However, the investigator found that 'there was a tendency to address the concern informally on a case-by-case basis and not therefore consider each issue as additive to any prior allegations or to matters which had been observed by senior members of staff'. More formal action was taken by the production company in 2015 and the BBC in 2017. Wallace was diagnosed with autism during the time of the investigation and the report found that this was 'highly relevant' in the context of the findings. They said: 'Mr Wallace's neurodiversity diagnosis is considered highly relevant in the context of the findings made, particularly regarding his use of humour as a 'masking' technique and his difficulty in reading social cues. 'Mr Wallace accepts that his diagnosis may help to explain some of his actions, but he does not wish to hide behind it.' The categories of allegations were separated in seven categories which included inappropriate comments (jokes and innuendo), sexually explicit comments, being in a state of undress, sexualised comments made to or about someone, culturally insensitive / racist comments, bullying, unwanted physical contact. The majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, however, a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language, being in a state of undress and unwelcome physical contact were also substantiated. Out of the 45 upheld complaints, 27 occurred between 2005 to 2011, 17 from 2012 to 2018 and just one from 2019 to 2024. Overall, the report concluded that 16 sexually explicit comments, 12 inappropriate comments, two sexualised comments to or about someone and four culturally insensitive/racist comments were made. One incident of unwelcome physical contact and three incidents of being in a state of undress were also substantiated. While, seven cases of bullying were upheld. Prior to 2016, the investigation found that there was little or no formal training or clear escalation procedures in place, leading to underreporting of inappropriate behaviour. It also added that concerns were not always flagged to Wallace meaning he was 'not necessarily aware that his behaviour had caused offence'. The report found that many contestants felt unable to speak out on MasterChef because 'their desire to do well in the competition, meant that they were unlikely to complain or allow their reactions to show.' Karen Baxter, the head of investigations at Lewis Silkin, who conducted the report did find that after the BBC warned Wallace about his behaviour in 2017 that he did change his behaviour. She said: 'There is evidence which shows that Mr Wallace took some proactive steps to modify his behaviour, seek guidance from colleagues on his choice of language, and to remove himself from work-related social situations.' Patrick Holland, CEO Banijay UK said: 'In earlier years, specifically prior to 2016 where the vast majority of these issues arose, it is clear that escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been, and awareness of policies and procedures were lacking particularly amongst freelance staff. ' A spokesman for the BBC said: '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. '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.'
South Wales Argus
19 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
John Torode says he was not informed of MasterChef departure
The celebrity chef, 59, said he had not heard from the BBC or the production company Banijay UK, and repeated that he still had no recollection of the accusation against him, in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Tuesday evening. BBC director-general Tim Davie had earlier condemned the 'serious racist term' the Australian-born presenter was alleged to have used, after it was announced his contract on MasterChef will not be renewed. Torode began presenting the BBC cooking contest alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. On Monday night, Torode confirmed Torode was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into Wallace's behaviour while filming the programme over 19 years. He then posted a lengthy statement on Instagram on Tuesday evening, saying: 'Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. 'The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. 'I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that.' Torode said Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials which he recently filmed 'will be my last'. It is not clear if the BBC will air these shows. John Torode (left) and Gregg Wallace in 2008 (PA) He went on: 'Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. 'I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been.' In an interview with BBC News earlier on Tuesday evening, Davie said he was not directly involved with the matter but was told of the recommendation to not renew Torode's contract and was 'happy that the team were taking action'. He went on: 'It's really important that we are taking this seriously. It's a reset where we make sure that people are living up to the values we expect across the board.' Asked exactly what Torode said, Davie replied: 'I'm not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly it was serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.' BBC director-general Tim Davie (Andrew Milligan/PA) A statement from production company Banijay UK released earlier said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. 'Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode previously said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. 'This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace – was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation. 'He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Davie insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out, while presenting the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report earlier on Tuesday. Davie said: 'I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that's 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.' John Torode after being made an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace (Kirsty O'Connor/PA) Downing Street has said it 'utterly condemns' any instance of racist language after the allegation made against Torode was upheld. 'When it comes to racism (it) clearly has no place at the BBC or anywhere in society, and we utterly condemn any instances of racist language or abuse in the strongest possible terms,' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said. 'And it's obviously up to the BBC, who are operationally independent from Government, to take forward any necessary next steps.' The BBC said it has not yet made a final decision on whether to broadcast a series of MasterChef filmed last year with Wallace and Torode. A spokesperson for the corporation said: '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 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity. He became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV's This Morning, before joining MasterChef alongside Wallace when it was known as MasterChef Goes Large.
Daily Mail
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Fiona Phillips' husband Martin Frizell reveals what you shouldn't do to those with Alzheimer's as he offers advice to families battling the disease
Fiona Phillips' husband Martin Frizell has revealed what you shouldn't do to those with Alzheimer's as he offered advice to families battling the disease. Former GMTV host Fiona, 64, who is mother to Nathaniel, 26, and Mackenzie, 23, was diagnosed with the progressive brain disorder in 2022 at the age of just 61. The former ITV boss has shared the huge lesson he has learnt from caring for Fiona over the past few years - to never say no. In the last chapter of Fiona's upcoming memoir Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's, Martin says it is better to improvise with Fiona's delusion than cause her extra distress by arguing against it. It is something he has had to learn and has been sticking to after Fiona recently became obsessed with the belief Martin was a kidnapper holding her hostage. Instead of continuously denying the thought, Martin plays along and pretends to walk her back home to her late parents - but is really just walking around the block, which he feels is the kindest way to handle the situation. Martin writes: 'The textbooks say to never argue with a dementia patient, although even without the illness you could never win an argument with Fiona, so we play along. 'Sometimes Mackenzie has to fetch her electric-blue Whistles coat – one of the very few items of clothing this once-stylish woman now insists on wearing, despite having a room full of outfits – and then Fiona and I leave the house as if I am taking her home. 'Fiona and I leave the house as if I am taking her home. We walk around the block as she loudly proclaims, "I'll never forgive you for tricking me", and passers-by stare; then we are back home again, where she goes in and greets Mackenzie as if she hasn't seen him for days. 'She has forgotten about her mum and dad and is happy to sit down.' He adds: 'It feels as though I have read a million books and online articles about how best to cope with a partner with Alzheimer's. Some of the advice I agree with – but other bits I'm not so sure about. 'I think you just have to trust your instinct and deal with whatever is thrown at you as best you can in that moment. 'By trying to live up to being the perfect Alzheimer's partner, you are just heaping even more pressure on yourself when there is already so much. And every day is different.' Martin also shared how the broadcaster became 'terribly distressed' when she could not recognise their eldest son Nat. In the last chapter of Fiona's upcoming memoir Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's, Martin says it is better to improvise with Fiona's delusion than cause her extra distress by arguing against it (pictured 2008) In an extract published in The Mirror he penned: 'One weekend, Nat was home from the Army and making tea in the kitchen while Fiona and I sat watching television'. 'She became terribly distressed. "Who's that man in the kitchen?" she asked me. "That's Nat" I said gently. "Our son. He's home for the weekend". She was in such a state that she didn't even seem upset that she had asked the question'. Martin said that Nat would have been 'devastated' to hear his mother being unable to recognise him, but thankfully he did not. Fiona first met Martin when she was working on GMTV as a presenter and he was its chief correspondent. He later popped the question after they had been dating for just four weeks, before they went to Las Vegas to tie the knot in 1997. Last year, he revealed he was stepping down as editor of ITV's This Morning after 10 years in charge, in order to be 'around much more' for his wife during her Alzheimer's battle. Having turned his back on his prolific job, in his own candid words, Martin revealed Fiona now needs 'a lot of help', with his care extending to showering Fiona, brushing her teeth, dressing her and ultimately 'making her feel as safe as possible'. He explained: 'It is January 2025 as I write this, and Fiona needs a lot of help. She needs help showering and brushing her teeth. She can do these things physically, but is unable now to think about how she should do them... 'I wash Fiona's hair because she wouldn't know what shampoo or conditioner to use or how wet her hair needs to be or that she must rinse the soap suds out afterwards... 'And most nights I'll say, 'Right, we need to brush our teeth before we go to bed,' and I'll put the toothpaste on the brush and hand it to her... Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's, by Fiona Phillips will be published on July 17. What is Alzheimer's? Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, in which build-up of abnormal proteins causes nerve cells to die. This disrupts the transmitters that carry messages, and causes the brain to shrink. More than 5 million people suffer from the disease in the US, where it is the 6th leading cause of death, and more than 1 million Britons have it. WHAT HAPPENS? As brain cells die, the functions they provide are lost. That includes memory, orientation and the ability to think and reason. The progress of the disease is slow and gradual. On average, patients live five to seven years after diagnosis, but some may live for ten to 15 years. EARLY SYMPTOMS: Loss of short-term memory Disorientation Behavioral changes Mood swings Difficulties dealing with money or making a phone call LATER SYMPTOMS: Severe memory loss, forgetting close family members, familiar objects or places Becoming anxious and frustrated over inability to make sense of the world, leading to aggressive behavior Eventually lose ability to walk May have problems eating The majority will eventually need 24-hour care
