Television presenter Gregg Wallace is reportedly set to return to our screens on BBCMasterChef later this year after he left the show at the end of 2024 following allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.
According to TVZoneUK, the BBC plans to air the pre-filmed series of MasterChef that featured Wallace later this year. However, they will likely hold back airing the programme until investigations into Wallace have concluded.
During the filming of the series, Wallace stepped down, with Anna Haugh reportedly stepping in for the rest of the competition alongside John Torode.
Meanwhile, MasterChef The Professionals is also set to return later this year with a new host replacing Wallace. Additionally, Celebrity MasterChef will air this summer, with food critic Grace Dent replacing Wallace.
Last year, 13 women came forward accusing the 60-year-old of sexually inappropriate behaviour. Wallace’s lawyers denied the accusations, saying it was entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. Masterchef’s production company Banijay UK has since launched an investigation and said Wallace is co-operating.
After the accusations came to light, Wallace took to his Instagram to say they were being made by “middle-class women of a certain age.”
“I’ve been doing MasterChef for 20 years – amateur, professional and Celebrity MasterChef – and I think in that time I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life,” Wallace said.
“And apparently now, I’m reading in the paper, there’s been 13 complaints in that time.”
He later apologised for his remarks, saying “I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people.
“I wasn’t in a good head space when I posted it, I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege yesterday when I posted it.
“It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope you accept this apology.”