GREGG Wallace walked into the MasterChef studio naked with a sock pulled over his intimate muscles, it was revealed tonight.
The TV presenter’s career hung in the balance after an investigation was launched into his alleged years of misconduct.
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Gregg Wallace wandered into the MasterChef studio naked with a sock pulled over his privates, claims Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEOVu9rHcW2/?hl=en
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Wallace stepped down from the popular BBC1 show after complaints from 13 people about the historical allegations, above with co-host TorodeCredit: PA
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Wallace, pictured outside his home in Kent today, is also accused of faking a sexual act in front of a crew memberCredit: Paul Edwards
Wallace, 60, stepped down from the hugely popular BBC1 show after complaints from 13 people, including former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, about the historic allegations.
One witness claimed that Wallace came into the MasterChef studio with only a strategically placed sock before performing a “stupid dance”.
They claimed he was “very sensitive” and made “disgusting sex-related jokes”.
The former market trader — who has presented MasterChef since 2005 — is also accused of faking a sexual act in front of a cast member.
The series’ production company Banijay UK confirmed yesterday that an external investigation had been launched, with which Wallace and the BBC were “co-operating fully”.
BBC News – which operates independently of the BBC – said it had received complaints about Wallace from 2005 to 2022.
Ms Wark claims that Wallace told stories and jokes of a “sexualised nature” in front of contestants and crew on two occasions while filming Celebrity MasterChef in 2011.
She said his jokes and comments were “really, really misplaced”.
She added: “I think people were embarrassed. We were essentially a captive audience.
“People looked embarrassed and just went about their business. I was actually more angry than anything because I thought it was so inappropriate.”
Watch the shocking moment Gregg Wallace tells MasterChef contestant ‘Despite the BBC’s warning, I’d beat the life out of that’ pudding
Wallace is also accused of removing his top in front of the worker, saying he wanted to “put her on a fashion show” and openly discussing his sex life.
On one occasion, he allegedly informed a younger colleague that he was not wearing any boxers under his jeans.
Wallace’s lawyers say it is “a complete lie” that he is engaged in sexual harassment.
Banijay UK confirmed yesterday that they will be “retiring” from the show.
It said: “This week the BBC received complaints from individuals regarding historic allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.
“While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping back from his role on MasterChef and has pledged his full cooperation throughout the process.
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The TV presenter’s career hangs in the balance, above with wife Anne-Marie SterpiniCredit: Olivia West
“Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations of behavior are clearly communicated to both cast and crew in all productions.”
Six weeks ago, The Sun revealed that Wallace had been cautioned for “sexually inappropriate comments” he had made on another BBC show, Impossible Celebrities.
We also discovered that the industrial union Bectu has been investigating allegations about him for more than a year.
I think people were embarrassed. We were essentially a captive audience
Kirsty Wark
Wallace — married to Anne-Marie Sterpini, who is more than 20 years his junior — hit back, claiming: “The allegations were investigated six years ago and my comments were found not to be sexual. I repeat, not sexually. Thank you all for your time.”
After our article, several people contacted The Sun to talk about their unpleasant experiences with the presenter. A woman accused him of making rape jokes while filming MasterChef 2017.
She said: “Gregg was accused of using inappropriate language while the cameras were on.
“He was also accused of joking about rape and someone filed a lawsuit.
“Greg was then told to apologize for what he said. It was incredibly embarrassing and then it just moved on and nobody talked about it again.”
We also received two threatening letters from his lawyers, claiming our reporting was “misleading and defamatory”.
Last year, Wallace stepped down from another BBC show, Inside The Factory, amid allegations he was “rude to staff and continued to speak in a derogatory manner, particularly to women”.
He is the latest BBC star to face allegations of misconduct, and it comes after multiple scandals.
An insider told The Sun last night: “Of course these are difficult times, but full transparency, speed of action and co-operation are imperative – and that’s exactly what the BBC is doing.
“All due process is being followed and the BBC is fully co-operating with the investigation to the extent that it has already handed over evidence.
“The corporation has learned the lessons of the past, and the key concern now is the welfare of anyone who has had a less than positive experience.”
Last night, Wallace broke his silence to thank fans who have supported him amid the allegations.
He said on Instagram: “I would like to thank all the people who reached out, reached out and showed support. Nice of you, thank you very much.”
His co-star John Torode has yet to comment publicly after previously distancing himself from Wallace, saying on a podcast: “We’ve never been friends.”
Of course, these are difficult times, but full transparency, speed of action and cooperation are imperative
Informed
Yesterday, the BBC said in a statement: “We take any issues that come to us seriously and have robust processes to deal with them.
“Where an individual is directly employed by an external production company, we share any complaints or concerns with that company and will always support them when approached.”
It’s another awkward scenario for the BBC, coming after the Huw Edwards child sex scandal.
There are comparisons with the recent Strictly furore where professional dancer Giovanni Pernice had to stand down amid an investigation into his alleged misconduct.
He was eventually cleared of charges of intimidation or aggressive behavior.
It also follows the sacking of Match of the Day pundit Jermaine Jenas after two women came forward to complain he had been texting them inappropriately.
The BBC has said it will not withdraw pre-recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals, which will be broadcast as planned next month.
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Former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark claims that on two occasions Wallace told stories and jokes of a ‘sexualised nature’Credit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to BBC Pictures digital image terms of use
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