John Torode, co-host of MasterChef, has revealed that he and fellow presenter Gregg Wallace have “never been friends”. Despite co-hosting the popular BBC1 show with the ex-market trader since 2005, Torode makes a point of avoiding his colleague off-camera.
Even when filming in remote and exotic locations, the pair – arguably one of TV’s most recognisable duos – prefer to maintain their distance, as reported by the Sunday Mirror in 2017 when MasterChef was gearing up for its 13th series since its comeback. This interview is still relevant today, as it has recently come to light that Wallace, 60, will temporarily step down from hosting MasterChef amid an investigation into historical allegations of misconduct dating back to 2005.
Allegedly, the host once walked naked into the studio with only a sock covering his privates, among other incidents. When Torode spoke to us in 2017, the now 59 year old chef stated: “We’ve never been friends.”
The Melbourne-born Torode described his colleague as “so OCD”, adding: “It’s funny, we’ve never been friends. We’ve not been to each other’s houses… He’s so OCD, he wouldn’t know what to do. He’d build it up in his mind for three days, and probably make himself quite sick, then he’d have an argument with his wife and not turn up. If I went to his house, he would feel like he wasn’t in control.”
Torode has remained silent on the investigation into Wallace’s alleged misconduct since the full details came to light. Instead of commenting on his colleague’s situation, John Torode took to Instagram to share a snapshot from outside his local David Lloyd club in North London, reports the Mirror.
Fresh from what appeared to be an invigorating session, the chef shared a photo with the caption “Love spin” and added: “Another bloody great class thank you.”
Thirteen individuals, including ex-Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, have lodged complaints with the BBC regarding past allegations. Wark, who is 69 and was a contestant on the sixth series of the Celebrity MasterChef spin-off in 2011, alleges that Wallace made remarks and jokes of a sexual nature on two separate occasions in the presence of contestants and crew.
Wark expressed her feelings on the matter, saying: “I think people were uncomfortable. We were essentially a captive audience. People looked embarrassed and just got on with their work. I was actually more angry than anything else, because I thought it was so inappropriate.”
A spokesperson for the BBC stated: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.”
The spokesperson continued: “Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”
Wallace’s legal team has stated that the allegations of him engaging in sexual harassment are “entirely false”. Banijay UK, the production company behind the show for the BBC, confirmed that Wallace will be “stepping away” from the programme.
