MasterChef Return Delayed Amid BBC Probe Into Gregg Wallace’s Alleged Misconduct.
The BBC delays the return of MasterChef as the network investigates allegations of inappropriate behavior by longtime host Gregg Wallace.
The return of MasterChef has been delayed by the BBC while an ongoing investigation into Gregg Wallace’s alleged inappropriate behavior continues. This has left fans of the popular cooking competition eagerly awaiting the results, as the network awaits a full report on the 60-year-old celebrity chef, who stepped away from the show last year amidst growing controversy.
Allegations Against Gregg Wallace Spark Investigation
The controversy surrounding Gregg Wallace has caused significant disruption to the show’s usual programming schedule. The investigation stems from allegations that Wallace made sexist comments and engaged in inappropriate behavior with contestants and crew members. Wallace, who denies any wrongdoing, is accused of making sexualized remarks and indulging in sexist banter on multiple occasions.
These claims have affected not only the show’s air date but also its production. The BBC has stated that they are committed to ensuring fairness for all involved in the show, including contestants, and therefore, have delayed its return until the investigation is concluded.
Wallace’s Departure from MasterChef
Following the allegations, Gregg Wallace was axed from MasterChef in November 2024, after co-hosting the show since its inception in 2005. The BBC had initially hoped to handle the matter quietly, but the mounting controversy ultimately led to Wallace stepping down. He faced accusations of making inappropriate comments to at least 13 colleagues, including prominent figures such as BBC anchor Kirsty Wark. Wallace has publicly denied the accusations and even criticized the women making the allegations, calling them “women of a certain age.” He later issued an apology for his ageist comment.
The BBC had already conducted multiple investigations into Wallace’s behavior in previous years, including a formal HR probe in 2018 after several complaints were raised. Despite this, Wallace was allowed to continue on the show, and it wasn’t until more recent reports that the network decided to cut ties with him.
New Hosts Step In: Anna Haugh and Grace Dent
In the wake of the scandal, several changes have been made to the MasterChef production team. Chef Anna Haugh was brought in to fill in for the final days of filming after the scandal erupted. Meanwhile, food critic Grace Dent was named as Wallace’s replacement for Celebrity MasterChef in January 2025. The question remains: will Dent continue as Wallace’s permanent replacement, or will the BBC introduce a new host for future seasons?
For now, fans are left in suspense about the future of the show, including whether John Torode, Wallace’s long-time co-host, will continue on the show or if the BBC will bring in a new host altogether.
The Impact of the Scandal
The ongoing investigation into Gregg Wallace’s behavior has also had an impact beyond just the show’s schedule. Reports from multiple former employees, including Emma Kennedy, Georgia Harding, and Aasmah Mir, have revealed that Wallace's actions were a well-known issue on set, with several instances of inappropriate comments being reported to the BBC. Despite the warnings, little action was taken until the matter gained wider public attention.
In 2018, Wallace was reportedly issued a formal warning by the BBC following an internal HR probe. However, the complaints continued, and more allegations surfaced. This led to the ultimate decision to remove Wallace from MasterChef and launch a deeper investigation into his conduct.
What’s Next for MasterChef?
The delay in the return of MasterChef has left fans eager to see what the future holds for the show. While the investigation continues, the BBC is focused on maintaining the integrity of the competition and protecting those involved in the production. It’s unclear how long the investigation will last, and whether it will result in permanent changes to the show’s hosting lineup.
With Celebrity MasterChef currently in production, the casting of Grace Dent has already raised questions about whether she will become a permanent fixture on the show, replacing Wallace for good. Fans will have to wait for the investigation to conclude to see what changes are made to the MasterChef team and whether Gregg Wallace will ever return to the series.
