MasterChef production company held investigation in 2015 and BBC intervened in 2017
The investigation into the behaviour of Gregg Wallace has substantiated more than 40 allegations against him during his time working on MasterChef, and Banijay UK has formally sacked him from the show.
It confirmed three allegations of him being in a state of undress and one of unwanted physical contact.
The report, carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin over a seven-month period, heard 83 allegations from 41 complainants against the presenter – all relating to his time on the Endemol Shine and Banijay-produced show over 19 years from 2005 to 2024. Shine TV produces the series, which was part of Shine group until 2016 when Endemol and Shine merged. Banijay Entertainment acquired Endemol Shine in 2020.
It substantiated over half – 45 of the 83 allegations – the majority (94%) of which related to inappropriate sexual language and humour. The findings have led to Banijay UK deeming his return to MasterChef as “untenable”.
The unwanted physical contact allegation referred to the period 2005-2011, as did two of the allegations of being in a state of undress. The other state of undress allegations was from the period 2012-2018.
The report substantiated 16 allegations of sexually explicit comments – 14 of which happened between 2005-2011 – 12 allegations of inappropriate comments (jokes and innuendo), seven bullying allegations, four allegations of culturally insensitive or racist comments and two allegations of sexualised comments to or about someone.
Only one allegation was substantiated post-2018 and related to inappropriate comments (jokes and innuendo).
Shine undertook an investigation into an allegation in 2015, with the complainant understood to be happy with the outcome. The BBC intervened in response to a complaint in 2017, resulting in a warning of the need for Wallace to change his behaviour, for which he took steps.
Lewis Silkin’s investigation determined that there was little or no formal training or clear escalation procedures, which led to underreporting of inappropriate behaviour. Freelance staff in particular often felt unable to raise issues due to concerns of potential impact on future employment, it found.
In particular during the period 2005-2011, things were often handled informally and on a case-by-case basis with no records of action having been taken.
There was no consolidated or centrally held information within the BBC, resulting in issues being addressed as a first offence.
Banijay UK chief executive Patrick Holland revealed the company is strengthening its whistleblowing processes as a result of the findings.
“Whilst it makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures, it also provides valuable insight to ensure that going forward everyone working on our productions feels safe and supported, and that inappropriate behaviour is quickly and professionally dealt with,” he said.
“Ways of reporting concerns whilst working on our productions, protocols around behaviour and training for both cast and crew, have improved exponentially in recent years and I’m encouraged that this is acknowledged in the report. We constantly review welfare procedures across our productions to ensure that they are as robust as they can be.
“Banijay Entertainment already has a confidential speak up line for those wishing to raise issues, however we will be rolling out an additional externally run whistle blowing service across all our productions with immediate effect. This will not only provide additional external routes to raise issues or concerns but will also provide independent support and advice to cast and crew.”
He also acknowledged Wallace’s autism diagnosis, saying it is “relevant to certain behaviours identified in the report” and accepted the production could have done more to “identify, manage and communicate patterns of inappropriate behaviour”. He also confirmed Wallace would not return to the show.
“The volume and consistency of substantiated allegations, ranging between 2005 and 2024, make Gregg Wallace’s return to MasterChef untenable.
“We are extremely sorry to anyone who has been impacted by this behaviour and felt unable to speak up at the time or that their complaint was not adequately addressed,” he added.
The BBC said it would not make a final decision on the broadcast of the series filmed last year at this stage.
A statement said: “We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.
The statement also address the allegations, saying: “This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.
“Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.”
The broadcaster apologised to those impacted and thanked those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns with the BBC in November.
“The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority,” it added.
“In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met…We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.”
The report throws up some unanswered questions, revealing that 10 standalone allegations were made about other people in relation to the period from 2012-2019. Evidence was found to substantiate two of these allegations relating to inappropriate language – one of swearing and one of racist language.
It is also somewhat at odds with BBC News’ separate investigation which said 11 women had accused Wallace of inappropriate sexual behaviour such as groping and touching.
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