Gregg Wallace steps down from MasterChef as allegations of misconduct are investigated

Gregg Wallace will reportedly be stepping away from his role as presenter and judge on MasterChef amid allegations of misconduct.

As reported by Sky News, the production company behind the popular BBC cooking competition show confirmed that Wallace, 60, will not be appearing on the show while complaints regarding historical allegations of misconduct are being investigated.

Wallace has appeared as co-presenter and judge on MasterChef since 2005, starring in more than 460 episodes.

Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from MasterChef. Credit: Dave Benett / Getty

He has also appeared in hundreds of episodes of the show's spin-offs, Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.

Last month, Wallace denied any allegations of inappropriate sexual comments that he was said to have made to a female colleague.

Per BBC News, an article published by The Sun revealed that bosses at the broadcaster had received complaints that Wallace had removed his shirt and boasted about his sex life to a woman while working on the show Impossible Celebrities back in 2018.

In two posts, he wrote on his Instagram Stories: "The story that's hitting the newspapers was investigated promptly when it happened six years ago by the BBC.

Wallace has presented hundreds of episodes of the TV cooking competition. Credit: SOPA Images / Getty

"And the outcome of that was that I hadn't said anything sexual. I'll need to repeat this again. I didn't say anything sexual."

Wallace added: "Do I need to repeat this again? I didn’t say anything sexual. Thank you for your time."

"Nobody six years ago accused me of flirting with anybody or hitting on anybody," he continued. "The reason I say this is because of my wife Anna. I have always been true to my wife Anna."

Wallace added that he has never "flirted" with another woman, adding: "It’s important that, so that people don’t misunderstand that, that I am true to my wife."

However, an unnamed source for The Sun claimed that Wallace made "consistent inappropriate comments" while working on the panel show. The source added that Wallace believed he was just having "banter" with the younger woman.

Gregg Wallace has denied the allegations. Credit: Jeff Spicer / Getty

The BBC said in October that it does not condone "any form of inappropriate behaviour", and that the allegations would be taken seriously as part of a "robust process".

Of course, this story also comes after the BBC has dealt with serious issues with both news reporter Huw Edwards and One Show presenter Jermaine Jenas.

A BBC spokesperson said in October: "Whilst we do not comment on individuals, if issues are raised they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately at the time. We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour and have robust processes in place."

Featured image credit: Dave Benett / Getty