MASTERCHEF star Gregg Wallace has told friends he expects to be fired following an investigation into his alleged sexual harassment and groping.
Several women came forward about his behavior, which prompted the review.
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Gregg Wallace has quietly admitted that his time on MasterChef is up and he will be stepping down Credit: Paul Edwards
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Wallace’s co-host John Torode expects the BBC show to continue Credit: BBC
Wallace stopped using his expensive legal team as he came to terms with being fired from MasterChef.
The crisis manager also turned away crisis teams from the public in the weeks after several women complained he groped or harassed them.
The BBC1 series’ production company Banijay UK launched an investigation last month and Wallace, 60, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
But those close to him said he understood that his position on MasterChef was no longer viable.
A source said: “Gregg admitted he had lost everything. To put it bluntly, he was telling people: ‘Fuck me’.
“He came out swinging but quietly admitted that he knew his time on MasterChef was up and he would be stepping down.
“He disputed the sexual allegations and insisted that all the jokes he made were just jokes. He said he never intended to cause any offence.
“Gregg has been under a lot of pressure since the allegations came to light and has done his best to fight his corner.
“The BBC and Banijay UK have now spoken to a number of different individuals and know they have to be seen to take action.
“Gregg knows there will come a time when he has to retire and as much as it hurts, he seems to have come to terms with that.”
Fury as BBC had complaints about Gregg Wallace’s ‘sexual remarks’ on Strictly 10 years ago but was allowed to stay on show
The Sun understands co-host John Torode, 59, will retain his role.
The Australian hosted alongside Wallace since 2005.
Insiders say the female star is likely to take Wallace’s place, with the new partnership to be announced in the New Year.
Work on the next series of Celebrity MasterChef is underway, with the BBC’s talent booking agent already making calls to identify the next batch of stars.
Another source said: “MasterChef is a giant of a show and the wheels don’t stop turning.
“Shortly after the investigation into Gregg’s behavior, casting for the celebrity series began.
“While the investigation is ongoing, it has been made clear to production that John will be staying and that a woman will be stepping into Gregg’s role.”
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Monica Galetti is seen as Wallace’s successor but may not take the roleCredit: BBC
Look for replacements
Chefs including Angela Hartnett and Nigella Lawson have been named as possible.
Monica Galetti, 49, who appears on MasterChef: The Professionals, has also been advertised.
However, those close to Wallace said she is unlikely to take the position.
This week, singer Sir Rod Stewart’s wife Penny Lancaster opened up about working with Wallace on Celebrity Masterchef 2021.
On Thursday, she said: “I was definitely a witness – and a victim – of some bullying and harassment by Gregg Wallace.
“And, unfortunately, many involved in the production team witnessed that as well.”
She added: “I really feel that he used his position of power to, I believe, intimidate and upset a lot of people on set.
“It’s unfortunate that someone like him is allowed to get away with it while others kind of stand by and let it happen at the same time.”
Earlier this month, The Sun revealed how the BBC had been receiving complaints about Wallace’s behavior since 2014.
He was accused of making sexual remarks during a performance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 with professional Aliona Vilani.
The Sun also reported that John Torode had repeatedly raised concerns about Wallace’s behavior on MasterChef, but no action had been taken.
In 2017, John publicly distanced himself from Gregg and said in an interview that they were no longer friends.
Since the latest allegations came to light, Wallace has unfollowed John and his wife Lisa Faulkner on Instagram.
At the time, friends told us Gregg was upset that John didn’t publicly support him amid the scandal.
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The Sun revealed the BBC had been receiving complaints about Wallace’s behavior since 2014. Credit: Olivia West
Wallace’s investigation
The Sun was the first magazine to report concerns about Wallace’s behavior on MasterChef.
This October we revealed that a complaint had been made about his behavior on the BBC’s Impossible Celebrities 2018.
Among them are “bragging about this sex life” and making “inappropriate sexual comments”.
It can be difficult to get in touch, but we want to assure everyone who does that we will treat anything raised with us with the utmost care.
Banijay UK
Then last month former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark and 13 other people came forward to say they had raised concerns.
Kirsty, 69, said she spoke to MasterChef after Wallace made “sexualised jokes” while she was on the show in 2011.
Other allegations include Wallace being open about his sex life, taking off his shirt in front of junior staff and telling another young colleague not to wear trousers.
One woman told The Sun that Wallace was forced to apologize after she “joked” about the rape in 2017.
Another alleged Wallace groped her when she appeared on MasterChef.
And Emma Kenny, the 2012 MasterChef winner, said she witnessed him touching another contestant and lodged a complaint.
Banijay UK launched its own investigation and confirmed to The Sun on November 28 that Wallace was standing down pending a review.
Gregg Wallace – MasterChef scandal in a nutshell
GREGG Wallace has stepped down from his role as MasterChef host following an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour. But what is the situation?
MasterChef regular host Gregg Wallace is currently under investigation following an investigation into his alleged misconduct over a number of years.
Gregg is accused of making sexual remarks to 13 colleagues, including Beeb presenter Kirsty Wark – allegations he denies.
The 60-year-old has now stepped down from the BBC show while the historic allegations against him are investigated.
However, the former greengrocer took to social media to condemn the “women of a certain age” who he claimed were behind the allegations.
The cooking show’s production company, Banijay UK, said law firm Lewis Silkin would lead an investigation into Wallace’s alleged misconduct.
A BBC spokesman later told The Sun: “In recent days there have been worrying allegations about the alleged behavior of Gregg Wallace, many of which relate to shows made for the BBC.
“These media stories follow an independent investigation, which was launched after formal complaints were made directly to the BBC and referred to Banijay UK for further investigation.
“We would like to thank those who had the courage to speak out.
“It can be difficult to come forward, but we want to assure everyone who does that we will treat anything raised with us with the utmost care.
“Banijay UK launched the review because they have a direct contractual relationship with Gregg Wallace. He is not employed by the BBC.
“When concerns were raised with the BBC, we took steps to escalate the issues to the relevant production company and directly challenge his conduct, as has been widely reported.
“We hope that Banijay UK’s independent investigation will be concluded rigorously and as quickly as possible.
“We want the review to follow due process and ensure fairness for all involved.”
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