The latest instalment of BBC’s Inside the Factory left fans “cringing” as host Paddy McGuinness, who replaced a disgraced Gregg Wallace, made a string of jokes that some deemed “inappropriate”.
Wallace, 60, has stepped away from his presenting roles on Inside the Factory as well as MasterChef after an investigation into historic complaints about his behaviour was launched by the Beeb and production company, Banijay.
Despite Wallace facing allegations of “misconduct,” which includes claims he made sexual comments and jokes, his replacement had no qualms about sharing jokey innuendos during the show.
Comedian McGuinness, 51, was called out online for the remarks, although some other viewers applauded his take-over of the show.
BBC Two’s fly-on-the-wall show Inside the Factory saw McGuinness travelling to Guylian chocolate factory in Belgium, where he made a rude joke about hazelnuts.
As he watched how praline was made, he commented: “Right, time to mix my nuts with the sweet stuff.”
Paddy McGuinness replaced Gregg Wallace on BBC’s Inside the Factory
BBC
Quickly taking to social media, several viewers pointed out that McGuinness had made the suggestive remark despite the current allegations surrounding Wallace, with one calling it “double standards”.
“Have to say, impressive that Paddy McGuinness replaces Gregg Wallace on #insidethefactory, and pretty much his opening line is ‘show us your nuts,'” one sarcastically noted.
“Have BBC replaced Gregg Wallace with Paddy effing Mcguinness?” another complained.
“The amount of innuendo from Paddy McGuinness given he’s replaced [Gregg Wallace] is b****y amazing. #insidethefactory,” a third shared.
Former MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has faced several allegationsGettySomeone else posted, according to Mail Online: “Imagine Gregg Wallace sitting at home watching Paddy McGuinness making jokes about nuts.”
“Oh the irony, Gregg Wallace replaced on Inside The Factory by Paddy McGuinness, who is thought around double entendres like confetti. Double entendres or double standard,” the publication added.
Another X user fumed: “Well #BBC, What can I say? I used to enjoy question of sport and inside the factory but you c***ed them up by using Paddy McGuinness. I won’t watch either of them again.”
Some were more pleased to see McGuinness on the show though, with one writing: “In this case, I’m happy to take Paddy.”
Wallace has reportedly “conceded he has lost everything” following an investigation into the misconduct accusations.
The chef, who stepped down from presenting MasterChef last month while the investigation is carried out, has previously denied any wrongdoing.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Gregg Wallace has also quit BBC MasterChef amid the allegations
BBC
Banijay UK, the show’s production company, launched an investigation following complaints made to the BBC about Wallace’s historical conduct.
The allegations include claims of inappropriate sexual comments, jokes, and talking openly about intimate acts on set.
Some women have accused Wallace of flirting with crew members and asking younger female colleagues for their phone numbers.
At least 13 women have come forward with accusations of inappropriate behaviour.
Wallace has vehemently denied the allegations, insisting on Instagram that he had never taken part in any wrongdoing. His lawyers have also stated that it is “entirely false” that he engaged in inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature.
The production company stated that while the complainants hadn’t raised allegations directly with show producers, they felt it “appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review.”
GB News has contacted the BBC for comment on the backlash to McGuinness’ stint.