BBC viewers voiced their displeasure at Paddy McGuinness stepping in for Gregg Wallace on BBC’s Inside the Factory.
The Take Me Out presenter filled in after Gregg left his position in 2023, due to allegations of inappropriate remarks directed at female staff regarding their weight.
On Tuesday’s episode, which aired on January 7, Paddy, aged 51, nostalgically visited Warburtons bread factory in Bolton, where he used to have a Saturday job over three decades prior.
Fans expressed their discontent with Paddy’s new role on social platforms – one viewer commented: “Just doesn’t give off the same vibes. I’ve never liked Gregg but I’m not liking paddy in this role either.”
Another sharply remarked: “I’m sorry, I can’t watch this programme anymore whilst McGuinness is hosting it. He killed Top Gear, he wrecked A Question of Sport, and now apparently they want him to do the same to inside the factory -why??”
A third chimed in: “Gregg Wallace could be irritating but they have replaced him with an even more irritating t***! Of all the people they could have chosen, they chose Paddy McGuinness.”
There were some who agreed that Gregg should return, saying: “Come back Gregg, all is forgiven #insidethefactory.” While another commented:
Despite some backing for Paddy being “the right man for the job”, others suggested that it’s not about the host; rather, the show may have just “run its course”.
Gregg Wallace resigned from the show in March 2023 following comments he made about women workers at Nestle whilst on location for filming.Sources alleged that he was “rude towards staff’ and spoke to them in a “derogatory manner, especially to women”.
The former MasterChef presenter refuted the allegations, stating his departure after seven seasons was due to wanting more time with his son, reports the Express.
In response to the allegations, a representative for Gregg stated: “We refer to you the original statement which makes clear his reasons for not continuing filming the series. “
Announcing his departure, Gregg expressed: “As viewers know, to say I find the inside of factories fascinating is an understatement. I’ve never failed to be amazed by the scale of production, whether it’s conveyor belts full of tiny sweets or a double decker bus rolling out of the factory for the very first time.
“For me, filming the show alongside my other TV and family commitments has always been a balance and as my son Sid’s needs become more challenging, I’ve decided the time has come to hang up my hairnet.”
When questioned on Good Morning Britain about the real reason behind his exit, he clarified: “There was an argument inside the factory, the reporting isn’t accurate. There was an issue, I thought that is the perfect time to come out, offending people in the factory, no.
“If you look at the headlines you can’t see a story that matches those headlines, but there was an issue, I don’t want to discuss what the issue was but I thought that is a good time. “.
Gregg resigned from MasterChef in November 2024 following historical allegations made by 13 individuals regarding his conduct over a span of 17 years.
Inside the Factory is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.