Gregg Wallace is ‘committed to fully cooperating throughout the process’ (Picture: BBC/Shine TV)
Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef as the BBC investigates historical allegations of misconduct.
The broadcaster said it had received complaints from people who had worked on the 60-year-old about his behaviour and are taking them ‘seriously.’
Wallace will not present the long-running cooking show while the investigation is underway and is ‘committed to fully cooperating throughout the process’.
A BBC spokesperson has told the PA news agency: ‘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.
‘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.’
MasterChef’s producer Banijay also said it was conducting an ‘immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate’ the claims after complaints were raised to the BBC.
The statement said: ‘This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.
‘Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.
‘While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process.
‘Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.
‘Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”
The statement added: ‘If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.’
More to follow.
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Source:: Metro
