The BBC has decided to pull its MasterChef Christmas specials following claims of inappropriate behaviour against presenter Gregg Wallace.
Wallace, 60, faces allegations from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, with many others sharing their experiences in the wake of the initial claims.
He has temporarily stepped down from the BBC cooking show while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by producers Banijay UK. His lawyers say “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.
The BBC previously announced a Celebrity MasterChef Cook Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza as part of its festive schedule, both billed as hour-long programmes for BBC One and iPlayer.
However, a spokesperson for the broadcaster has now said: “As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned.
“The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them.”
A number of people have accused Wallace of making inappropriate sexual comments, including a former contestant who told Sky News that one remark made when she returned as a guest judge left her crying in the toilets.
Jackie Kearney said she had been “troubled” by Wallace’s “household favourite status” over the years, as she felt he was “a bit of a sleaze behind closed doors”.
Another former contestant told Sky News the allegations are just the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to MasterChef – claiming he witnessed a “toxic environment” on set and that the problem was “larger” than just the presenter.
On Sunday, Wallace responded to the allegations by sharing a video on social media, dismissing his accusers as “middle-class women of a certain age” – resulting in a huge backlash, with even Downing Street commenting.
He apologised in another clip posted on Monday. “I wasn’t in a good head space when I posted it, I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege yesterday when I posted it,” the presenter said.
“It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope you accept this apology.”
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