Kirsty Wark accuses MasterChef host Gregg Wallace of making 'sexualised' jokes

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Former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark is among 13 people who have accused MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace of making inappropriate sexual comments.

BBC MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is to step away from his long-running role after complaints from individuals about historical allegations of misconduct. The allegations of inappropriate sexual comments came from 13 people who worked alongside Wallace on a variety of shows across a 17-year period. It was revealed after BBC News sent a letter to Wallace’s representatives on Tuesday setting out allegations.

Scots broadcaster Wark featured on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011 and is one of the 13 accusers. She said Wallace told "sexualised" jokes when filming the show in front of contestants and crew and she felt they were “really, really in the wrong place”.

Other allegations made to the BBC include Gregg Wallace openly talking about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker to "give her a fashion show", and telling a junior female colleague he wasn't wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans. Wallace was warned in 2018 by the BBC after a complaint was made about him, but further incidents have now come to light. The investigation into him began in the summer and the claims made span across five shows from 2005 to 2022.

His lawyers say the claims he engages in sexually harassing behaviour are entirely false. Masterchef's production company Banijay UK has launched an investigation and said Wallace is co-operating. Wallace, 60, is “committed to fully cooperating throughout the process”, a statement from the show’s production company Banijay UK to the PA news agency said.

The statement said: “This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows. Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.

“While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process. Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.

“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately. If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.”

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