The results of an independent investigation into historic allegations of misconduct against former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace have been made public, confirming that nearly half of the complaints against him were upheld.
Out of 83 separate claims, 45 were substantiated, according to law firm Lewis Silkin, which was commissioned to carry out the review by production company Banijay UK.
Among those findings, one involved an incident described as “unwelcome physical contact.”
Banijay UK first announced in November 2024 that Wallace, 60, would temporarily step back from MasterChef while the firm investigated the numerous allegations.
According to the report, the overwhelming majority of complaints — 94 per cent — related to incidents said to have taken place between 2005 and 2018. Just one allegation was upheld from after 2018.
The findings show a pattern of inappropriate conduct, with most substantiated complaints centring on Wallace’s use of sexually explicit language and humour during his time on the show.
Additional substantiated claims involved Wallace using inappropriate non-sexual language, appearing in a state of undress, and one incident of physical misconduct.
The seven-month investigation also noted that Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder during the review, and that his neurodiversity should be considered in interpreting the findings.
However, some autism specialists have expressed concern at the implications of linking the diagnosis with the misconduct findings, cautioning against using neurodiversity as a justification for harmful behaviour.
Dr Lisa Williams, founder and clinical director of The Autism Service, which offers autism and ADHD assessments across the UK, told Metro that Wallace’s diagnosis “is not a free pass for poor behaviour.”
She warned that framing autism as an explanation for inappropriate conduct can perpetuate damaging myths about autistic individuals lacking empathy or self-awareness.
Responding to Wallace’s claim that colleagues had long suspected his neurodivergence but failed to act, Dr Williams acknowledged that this is a common workplace failure, but criticised the timing of Wallace’s diagnosis announcement.
“To only raise the issue when under scrutiny for misconduct is problematic,” she said. “It shifts the conversation from advocacy and support to personal exoneration.”
She added that blaming misconduct on neurodiversity “risks reinforcing the false idea that autistic people are naturally difficult or insensitive. That is not true.”
The National Autistic Society echoed the sentiment, saying in a statement to Metro that every autistic person is different and it is vital not to judge the wider community based on the actions of an individual.
Throughout the inquiry, Wallace was said to be “cooperative and forthcoming,” participating in three separate interviews totalling 14 hours.
Despite his cooperation, Banijay UK has concluded that Wallace’s continued presence on MasterChef is “untenable” in light of the volume and nature of the substantiated allegations.
Banijay UK chief executive Patrick Holland acknowledged that the report made for “uncomfortable reading,” especially in how it exposed failings in historical reporting mechanisms and HR oversight.
Mr Holland said the investigation had delivered “valuable insights” for improving workplace culture across the company’s productions and ensuring swift action is taken against inappropriate behaviour.
He added that many of the allegations occurred before 2016, a period during which “escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been,” particularly among freelance teams.
Holland confirmed that Wallace would not return to the show, and extended an apology to anyone who felt silenced or let down by the production at the time.
“MasterChef is a much-loved series that transforms the lives of many contestants,” he said. “It deserves a working environment built on respect and safety for everyone involved.”
The BBC also issued a statement, confirming it has no plans to work with Wallace again, saying the scale of the allegations “falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.”
The broadcaster admitted there were missed opportunities to intervene, both on its own part and by the show’s production company, and acknowledged that more could have been done earlier.
With regard to an unaired series of MasterChef filmed last year, the BBC said a final decision on broadcasting has not been made, and future consultation with amateur contestants is expected.
The BBC reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe workplace and said “there is no place for abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.”
Shadow Culture Secretary Stuart Andrew said the revelations were “deeply concerning,” and criticised the delay in taking meaningful action.
He added that organisations like the BBC have a duty to protect those working within their programmes, and must act decisively at the first sign of misconduct.
Andrew said the case illustrates a failure to respond promptly and that any future policy must focus on preventing such issues, not merely responding after the fact.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy echoed the criticism, describing the allegations against Wallace as “horrendous and appalling,” and praised those who came forward to share their experiences.
The external review follows a BBC News investigation last year in which 13 individuals accused Wallace of inappropriate sexual comments and unprofessional conduct across various BBC programmes.
Among the individuals who spoke out was veteran broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who worked with Wallace on several shows and said she had witnessed or heard about concerning behaviour.
At the time, Wallace’s legal team categorically denied that he had ever engaged in sexually harassing conduct, calling the claims “entirely false.”
In December, Wallace made headlines after releasing a video on Instagram claiming that most complaints had come from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age.”
After widespread backlash, Wallace apologised, saying he did not intend to cause “offence or upset,” and announced he would be taking a step back from public work.
Ahead of the publication of the investigation’s findings, Wallace posted on Instagram on July 8, claiming he had been cleared of the “most serious and sensational accusations.”
He confirmed his autism diagnosis in the same post, stating that his neurodivergence had been “suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef.”
However, Wallace faces claims from over 50 individuals, according to the BBC, with 11 women accusing him of physically inappropriate behaviour, including groping and unwanted touching.
In addition to his long-running role on MasterChef, which began in 2005, Wallace has presented MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef, becoming a familiar face on UK television.
He also hosted BBC food programmes such as Saturday Kitchen, Eat Well for Less?, Inside the Factory, and Supermarket Secrets over his two-decade broadcasting career.
Wallace began his media work after a career as a greengrocer, and has often described his rise through the TV ranks as unconventional.
Now, his departure from the MasterChef franchise appears final, bringing an end to a controversial chapter for one of British television’s most recognisable food presenters.
Editing by M10News Media Desk | Contact: media@m10news.com
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