Latest news with #Gregg
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
John Torode given boost by the BBC on his birthday after shock MasterChef axe
Former MasterChef judge, John Torode, was sacked from the BBC show last week after a claim of using racist language, which he denies, was upheld after an independent investigation Former MasterChef judge, John Torode, hasn't had much to celebrate recently after getting sacked from the BBC show last week over an upheld claim of using racist language, which he denies. The Aussie chef, who turns 60, today, was axed from the programme after 20 years at the helm after "an accusation of highly offensive racist language" was upheld following a report into John's co-host, Gregg Wallace's behaviour on the show. Following the report's release in which 45 out of 83 allegations made against him Gregg were upheld and John was the subject of nine complaints, eight of which were rejected - both he and the former greengrocer got the boot from MasterChef. However, today, on John's milestone birthday, the BBC has announced it will broadcast the amateur series of the primetime show filmed before allegations against the dad-of-four and Gregg were upheld by an independent investigation. Both presenters will still feature in the upcoming series, but the edit will be looked at in light of the findings of an investigation, with focus being given to the contestants, the PA news agency understands. A BBC spokesperson said: 'After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August. MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey. 'This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it. In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. "We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC. 'However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process." John was sacked last week after he came forward as the unnamed person in the firm Lewis Silkin's report, commissioned by Banjiay, into the conduct of Gregg, following allegations of misconduct. The upheld complaint about John was "an accusation of highly offensive racist language against", which the presenter has vehemently denied, saying he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. It was later reported that John repeated lyrics of Kanye West's song Gold Digger, in which the N-word is featured. The alleged incident is said to have taken place at an after-work gathering in 2019. John is then alleged to have used the word again whilst speaking to a member of the MasterChef production team. However, BBC News has since reported that the upheld allegation relating to John using the racist slur was not in relation to the above incident. The publication reports the upheld allegation relates to an incident said to have taken place the year before in 2018, in which it is claimed he used the same word on set after filming ended – and the slur was directed at a member of staff. Meanwhile, it was also reported that John was the subject of a total of nine complaints. There was a single upheld allegation of racist language and eight other allegations relating to different matters were rejected, the Mirror understands.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Gregg Wallace's FOUR marriages from wife who said it was utter hell to bizarre living arrangements
OVER the years Gregg Wallace has managed to rack up FOIUR marriages. However, not all of the former Advertisement 7 Gregg Wallace has been married four times during his life - but they have not all ended well Credit: Rex 7 Greg is currently married to wife no. 4, Anne-Marie Sterpini Credit: Instagram 7 Gregg was married to third wife Heidi Brown for just over a year Credit: Rex Gregg, who While he is currently married to fourth wife One of his marriages lasted just weeks, while another months, with one wife describing her time with Gregg as "utter hell". Here we delve into the lives of the TV chef's wives and how their marriages to him have played out. Advertisement Read more on Gregg wallace Christine Harrison Not much is known about the original Mrs Wallace, only than that her name is Christine Harrison. The pair wed in 1988, which he admitted in his autobiography that he knew was a 'mistake' before they tied the knot. marriage in the world'. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive He later revealed their quickie ceremony was followed by food in a pie and mash shop - they were married for just six weeks. 'We'll never work with him again', blast BBC as Gregg Wallace report reveals 'substantial' allegations over 19 YEARS Denise Lovall Gregg tied the knot for the second time in 1999, when he wed pastry chef Denise Lovall. The pair met in 1991 and she moved into his flat just off south London's Old Kent Road after a date at Stringfellows nightclub. At the time, Denise did not know that Gregg's first marriage to Christine had lasted just a few weeks. Advertisement During their relationship, they welcomed two children together, Tom and Libby. 7 Gregg and his ex-wife Denise Lovell on wedding day Credit: Collect They divorced in 2004, with allegations of cheating on his part. Advertisement The interview has now been published in light of the In the interview, Denise described her ex husband as a "very sexual man". She was asked her thoughts on Gregg's third marriage to Heidi Brown which was collapsing at the time. Denise said: "If my own experience is anything to go by it will have been utter hell and very, very lonely." Advertisement She told how the TV chef would rarely be at home and would often "be in a bad mood". Gregg later admitted to seeing "other women" in his 2012 autobiography, Life on a Plate. 7 Gregg's third wife Heidi called him 'needy' Credit: Rex Heidi Brown Another whirlwind marriage saw Gregg wed third wife Advertisement Wife no. 3, who was 17 years his junior, described him as a "difficult man" and "quite needy" after they broke up. Reflecting on the experience of being married to the TV star, Heidi told the Mail at the time of their split: "We each desperately wanted to be the person the other one wanted us to be. "We should have both stuck up for ourselves a bit more. I wish him all the best and all the luck in the world. 'I hope he does meet someone who makes him feel happy and loves him for all he is. I can't do that." Advertisement In his autobiography, Gregg said the marriage was a 'huge mistake' and 'probably the unhappiest I have ever been in my life'. 7 Gregg and wife Anne-Marie married in 2016 Credit: Rex Features Anne-Marie Sterpini Gregg is now married to his fourth wife Reflecting on their significant age gap, he once said: 'People look at you anyway and I felt really conscious because she was younger, and I didn't want people to judge her harshly.' Advertisement The couple got engaged in December 2014 and tied the knot at Hever Castle in Kent, in August 2016, with fellow MasterChef judge The couple have a Bizarrely Gregg previously revealed that his mother-in-law had moved in with him and his wife. He even joked to Advertisement "For an insecure old man with a younger woman, that's good news ." 7 Gregg and Anne-Marie have a 21 year age gap Credit: Andrew Styczynski - The Sun
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Gregg Wallace's FOUR marriages from wife who said it was utter hell to bizarre living arrangements
One of the TV star's marriages saw him wed for just six weeks THE WALLACE WIVES CLUB Inside Gregg Wallace's FOUR marriages from wife who said it was utter hell to bizarre living arrangements Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OVER the years Gregg Wallace has managed to rack up FOIUR marriages. However, not all of the former MasterChef star's wives have had good things to say about their time with him. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Gregg Wallace has been married four times during his life - but they have not all ended well Credit: Rex 7 Greg is currently married to wife no. 4, Anne-Marie Sterpini Credit: Instagram 7 Gregg was married to third wife Heidi Brown for just over a year Credit: Rex Gregg, who was sacked from the BBC following a series of complaints made against him, has walked down the aisle four times. While he is currently married to fourth wife Anne-Marie Sterpini, he has three divorces under his belt. One of his marriages lasted just weeks, while another months, with one wife describing her time with Gregg as "utter hell". Here we delve into the lives of the TV chef's wives and how their marriages to him have played out. Christine Harrison Gregg married his first wife when he was just 24. Not much is known about the original Mrs Wallace, only than that her name is Christine Harrison. The pair wed in 1988, which he admitted in his autobiography that he knew was a 'mistake' before they tied the knot. Gregg jokingly called it 'possibly the shortest marriage in the world'. He later revealed their quickie ceremony was followed by food in a pie and mash shop - they were married for just six weeks. 'We'll never work with him again', blast BBC as Gregg Wallace report reveals 'substantial' allegations over 19 YEARS Denise Lovall Gregg tied the knot for the second time in 1999, when he wed pastry chef Denise Lovall. The pair met in 1991 and she moved into his flat just off south London's Old Kent Road after a date at Stringfellows nightclub. At the time, Denise did not know that Gregg's first marriage to Christine had lasted just a few weeks. During their relationship, they welcomed two children together, Tom and Libby. 7 Gregg and his ex-wife Denise Lovell on wedding day Credit: Collect They divorced in 2004, with allegations of cheating on his part. Denise opened up about the marriage in an unpublished 2012 interview with the Mail, before her death five years later, The interview has now been published in light of the investigation into Gregg's alleged inappropriate behaviour. In the interview, Denise described her ex husband as a "very sexual man". She was asked her thoughts on Gregg's third marriage to Heidi Brown which was collapsing at the time. Denise said: "If my own experience is anything to go by it will have been utter hell and very, very lonely." She told how the TV chef would rarely be at home and would often "be in a bad mood". Gregg later admitted to seeing "other women" in his 2012 autobiography, Life on a Plate. 7 Gregg's third wife Heidi called him 'needy' Credit: Rex Heidi Brown Another whirlwind marriage saw Gregg wed third wife Heidi Brown in 2011 - but it only lasted 14 months. Wife no. 3, who was 17 years his junior, described him as a "difficult man" and "quite needy" after they broke up. Reflecting on the experience of being married to the TV star, Heidi told the Mail at the time of their split: "We each desperately wanted to be the person the other one wanted us to be. "We should have both stuck up for ourselves a bit more. I wish him all the best and all the luck in the world. 'I hope he does meet someone who makes him feel happy and loves him for all he is. I can't do that." In his autobiography, Gregg said the marriage was a 'huge mistake' and 'probably the unhappiest I have ever been in my life'. 7 Gregg and wife Anne-Marie married in 2016 Credit: Rex Features Anne-Marie Sterpini Gregg is now married to his fourth wife Anne-Marie Sterpini, who is 21 years his junior. Reflecting on their significant age gap, he once said: 'People look at you anyway and I felt really conscious because she was younger, and I didn't want people to judge her harshly.' The couple got engaged in December 2014 and tied the knot at Hever Castle in Kent, in August 2016, with fellow MasterChef judge John Torode as Gregg's best man. The couple have a child together called Sid. Bizarrely Gregg previously revealed that his mother-in-law had moved in with him and his wife. He even joked to The Daily Star: "Anna can't leave me because mum would have to leave as well. "For an insecure old man with a younger woman, that's good news."
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
MasterChef stars 'make feelings clear' on new Gregg Wallace series ahead of BBC decision
Production of the new series of MasterChef, presented by Gregg Wallace, was underway when allegations about the presenter came to light, leaving its future uncertain A 'decision' about the unaired series of MasterChef has reportedly been made by bosses at the BBC. Filming for the upcoming series of the hit show was well underway when allegations about presenter Gregg Wallace came to light. The 60-year-old presenter stepped back from filming in November, with chef Anna Haugh said to have taken over the role from the semi-finals on. Gregg has since been sacked from the show after an investigation upheld 45 out of 83 complaints against him. Co-star John Torode was this week sacked from the show after law firm Lewis Silkin upheld a complaint that he used racist language eight years ago. Now, according to TV producer Richard Osman, BBC bosses are set to show the unaired episodes. The 54-year-old believes the decision has been made after producers from Banijay UK consulted with contestants who appeared on the show. The House of Games star however says no decision has been made on the next series of Celebrity MasterChef, which starred Grace Dent. Speaking on his The Rest is Entertainment podcast with journalist Marina Hyde, he said: 'The main one is the big main series and as people probably know, it was presented by John and Gregg, and as they got to the semi-final stages the allegations about Gregg came out and they replaced him with Anna Haugh from the semi-finals onwards. 'Anna is that wonderful Irish chef who is brilliant on everything. The feeling at the BBC and the feeling at Banijay, having talked to everyone who has been on that show, is that they would like to show it. 'They have spoken to pretty much every single contestant and the contestants are saying, 'We would be gutted if this doesn't go out'. It's been a huge deal what they have done, it makes careers as well.' Marina pointed out that a number of contestants from the hit show have gone on to open restaurants after appearing on the series. She added: 'It's a huge challenge and it goes on for a long time so their skills should absolutely be showcased I think.' It led Richard to explain he believes bosses have made a final decision on the unaired series. He said: 'I think, I'd be fairly confident in saying that the current plan is to show that series because it's due on quite soon. 'That's a decision that needs to be made quite quickly, they've made the decision, looking at the contestants, what the contestants would like to happen, and the contestants said, 'We would like it to go on air'.' The BBC had previously said that no decision on the future of the unaired series had been made. Although it did say producers would be consulting with the contestants before a decision is made. The BBC 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." Earlier this week, BBC director Tim Davie described the decision as difficult. He said: "We haven't made a decision yet, it's a difficult one, because to your question, those amateur chefs gave a lot of time to take part in the show. It means a lot, it can be an enormous break if you come through the show. So, I want to just reflect on that with the team and make a decision and we'll communicate that in due course."
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Gregg Wallace complainant 'feels sorry' for him and slams John Torode
Radio presenter Aasmah Mir has opened up about her experience on Celebrity MasterChef after complaining about Gregg Wallace's language, admitting that she feels 'sorry' for him. A contestant who appeared on Celebrity MasterChef has revealed that she "feels sorry" for Gregg Wallace after complaining about his language on the BBC show's set. Aasmah Mir took part in the show back in 2017 and later complained to the show after Gregg Wallace allegedly referred to a BBC colleague as a "sexy b***h". Last week, Gregg was fired by Banijay after a report found that 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour were upheld following a seven-month probe into his behaviour, reports the Mirror. Speaking to Good Morning Britain today, Aasmah opened up about her "uncomfortable experience" with him - but revealed that she feels sorry for the axed presenter. She said: "I feel sorry for him, I do feel sorry for Gregg Wallace because of the neurodivergence, which is quite obvious here. "But someone - the production company - should have stepped in earlier and said, 'this is not acceptable.' We wouldn't have the mess we have today." Aasmah shared Gregg's alleged comment to her last year when he stepped down from hosting MasterChef during the investigation into his behaviour. Speaking about how she felt at the time, Aasmah said on GMB today: "It's not the worst thing in the world, no one has died but it was an uncomfortable experience. "I remember feeling destabilised and I remember my cheeks were burning because I was thinking, 'What happened there?'" She added that John Torode did not react to Gregg's comment. "No one said anything. Both Gregg Wallace and John Torode looked completely blank, poker face. Like nothing had happened." "I don't know how many of the substantiated allegations he witnessed so I can only talk about my own, but all I know is Gregg Wallace used an incredibly inappropriate term and John Torode didn't do anything. There was no emotion. "That could be because it was 2017, it had been going on since 2005 - the programme. Maybe he'd just become used to it? You would expect some emotion on his face perhaps but maybe he was just used to it and that's not his fault necessarily. It's Gregg Wallace's for putting him in that position." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Earlier this week, John Torode was sacked from MasterChef after Lewis Silkin's report into Gregg Wallace's behaviour upheld an allegation against him of using racist language. While John denied the allegation, the BBC said that it takes the finding "extremely seriously", adding: "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." John - who said he had "no recollection" of the incident happening - is preparing to take legal action against the BBC. A source told The Mirror: "He wants to pursue them for unfair dismissal. He's telling people there is no proof of his supposed comment. It was not in a work capacity, it was just hearsay. John is determined to clear his name."
