Gregg Wallace Dismissed from MasterChef After Allegations Review

A recent report revealed that out of 83 allegations made against former *MasterChef* presenter Gregg Wallace, 45 were substantiated, leading to his dismissal from the show. The 60-year-old television personality stepped away from hosting duties amid the allegations in 2023, as investigations into his conduct unfolded.

Allegations Overview and Investigation Timeline

The findings, published on July 14, 2025, by law firm Lewis Silkin, detailed incidents spanning nearly two decades. The report highlighted that between 2005 and 2011, 27 allegations were upheld, primarily concerning sexually explicit comments. Notably, there was one substantiated claim of unwanted physical contact during this time. The report also indicated that any concerns raised to the production company were inadequately documented, suggesting a lack of action taken on the complaints.

From 2012 to 2018, an additional 17 claims were substantiated. In 2015, the production company investigated a complaint regarding Wallace’s behavior, but he was not informed about the allegation. Following a merger with Endemol in 2016, the company implemented more formal policies, including regular training and anonymous reporting mechanisms. In 2017, the BBC intervened after a complaint, issuing a warning to Wallace about the need for behavioral change.

The period from 2019 to 2024 saw one substantiated complaint regarding inappropriate comments. In November 2024, allegations emerged involving inappropriate sexual remarks from 13 individuals over a span of 17 years. Reports indicated that Wallace made comments about his sex life, undressed in front of colleagues, and made inappropriate remarks to junior female staff members.

Response and Consequences

Following the allegations, the charity Ambitious About Autism severed ties with Wallace, citing the “recent allegations.” The production company Banijay announced an external review to fully investigate the claims against him. Wallace responded to the accusations, describing them as coming from “middle-class women of a certain age.” The response drew criticism from Downing Street, which labeled his comments as “inappropriate and misogynistic.”

In light of the backlash, Wallace publicly apologized for any “offence” or “upset” he may have caused and announced his intention to take time away from the public eye. Following a question raised in parliament regarding his comments, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need for mechanisms to ensure women’s concerns regarding inappropriate behavior are taken seriously.

In April 2025, Wallace disclosed to the *Daily Mail* that he had contemplated suicide following the misconduct allegations. Shortly thereafter, on July 8-9, 2025, he was officially sacked from his role as presenter of *MasterChef* following the completion of the inquiry conducted by Banijay. Although the final report had not been publicly released at that time, reports confirmed his dismissal.

Upon his termination, Wallace claimed on Instagram that he had been cleared of the “most serious and sensational accusations” but acknowledged that some of his humor and language had been inappropriate. The Lewis Silkin report ultimately stated that the majority of substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual language and humor, with additional claims involving unwelcome physical contact and other inappropriate behavior.

In the aftermath of the report’s release, Banijay declared that Wallace’s return to *MasterChef* was “untenable,” effectively ending his long-standing association with the show.