Gregg Wallace Takes Legal Action Against BBC After MasterChef Axing
Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has launched legal proceedings against the BBC, filing a case at the High Court over a data protection claim, court documents reveal.
The broadcaster confirmed it had not yet been formally notified of the case and declined to comment further. Wallace’s representatives have also been contacted for a response.
Sacking After Misconduct Probe
Wallace, who co-hosted MasterChef for 20 years, was dismissed in July following an independent investigation into his behaviour on set. The inquiry, commissioned by production company Banijay and conducted by a law firm, examined 83 allegations, of which 45 were upheld.
The substantiated claims included one of unwelcome physical contact, three involving instances where Wallace was reportedly in a state of undress, and multiple accusations of inappropriate sexual language, humour, and culturally insensitive remarks.
In response at the time, Wallace apologised for any offence caused but insisted that “none of the serious allegations” against him were proven. He described one incident of unwanted touching as a “difference in perception,” adding: “It was never intended, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused.”
Fallout for Co-Host John Torode
Wallace’s long-time co-presenter John Torode was also implicated in the probe, with investigators upholding a claim that he had once used an offensive racist term. Torode said he had “no recollection” of the incident. Both men were subsequently sacked.
Despite their dismissal, the BBC chose to air this year’s series of MasterChef, already filmed with Wallace and Torode, for the sake of the amateur chefs who took part. Director General Tim Davie defended that decision before MPs, stressing that most contestants wanted the programme broadcast, but added: “The consequences for the individuals who presented MasterChef have been very significant, they are no longer working with the BBC.”
New Era for MasterChef
The scandal has prompted a shake-up of the flagship cooking show. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that food critic Grace Dent and chef Anna Haugh will take over hosting duties.
Davie also assured MPs that the BBC was “not letting anything lie” regarding abuses of power, pledging tougher oversight in the wake of the controversy.