MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace Exit: Investigation Upholds Misconduct Claims as BBC Cuts Ties

BBC Severs Long-standing Partnership

The BBC has officially ended its relationship with longtime “MasterChef” presenter Gregg Wallace following an independent investigation into his conduct, concluding his 20-year tenure on the flagship culinary competition series. The decision came after what the BBC described as “a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years.”

Investigation Findings

The seven-month investigation, conducted by U.K. law firm Lewis Silkin, examined 83 specific allegations against the 60-year-old presenter from 41 complainants. The investigation team interviewed 78 witnesses and reviewed contemporaneous documents and unedited program footage, ultimately substantiating 45 of the allegations.

Autism Diagnosis and Response

Earlier this year, Wallace revealed he had been diagnosed with autism, stating he was “very slow to wake up” to a changing work environment. He maintained: “I honestly never meant to upset anyone. I didn’t realise I was causing any problems.”

Show’s Future

The new MasterChef 2025 series, which controversially features the sacked hosts, launched on BBC iPlayer in early August. The BBC acknowledged that broadcasting the series “has not been an easy decision in the circumstances” but maintained it was “the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process.”

Transition and Replacements

Food critic Grace Dent has stepped in to replace Wallace on Season 20 of Celebrity MasterChef, which filmed earlier this year. She is currently considered a frontrunner to replace Wallace permanently. The show’s future appears secure, as MasterChef is confirmed to remain on the BBC until 2028, thanks to a deal signed with Banijay in 2022.