John Torode Expresses Distress Over Allegations Against Co-Host Gregg Wallace

MasterChef host John Torode stated that he found the recent accusations leveled against his co-presenter, Gregg Wallace, to be “truly upsetting”. He further commented that the “thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear”. These remarks follow co-host Wallace’s temporary withdrawal from his role during an ongoing investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior, which he refutes. Torode, who has co-presented the BBC One culinary program with Wallace since 2005, posted on Instagram that he “loves being part of” the series and “will continue to be a part of it”. He wrote, “Since last Friday I have been away filming MasterChef overseas. I love my job, and I love MasterChef. I love being part of it and will continue to be part of it.” “During the last few days, I’ve been trying to make the best cookery programme, so being busy making the show and caring for our contestants has allowed me little time to think about anything else, but that has been hard,” he added. He concluded, “But as I hope everyone appreciates there is an investigation under way, which I fully support, so I cannot make any further comment at this stage and I hope that you all understand and respect my silence on the matter moving forward.” Legal representatives for Wallace have vehemently denied that he engages in sexually harassing behavior. The BBC announced on Tuesday that it has removed two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials, a Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off, and a special Strictly-themed episode from its festive programming. The BBC stated: “MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned.” It added: “The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them.” Additionally, three repeat episodes of BBC Two’s Inside The Factory are being removed from the schedule, though the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals will continue to air. Torode gained recognition among television viewers in 1996 as the resident chef for ITV’s This Morning. MasterChef debuted in 2005 as a reimagined iteration of the initial series, which ran from 1990 to 2001 and was hosted by Loyd Grossman. The 2005 revamped series, initially titled MasterChef Goes Large and won by Thomasina Miers, reverted to its original name in 2008. The program’s success resulted in spin-off series including Junior MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef, and MasterChef: The Professionals. Last week, Banijay UK, the production company responsible for the BBC program, announced that Wallace would be “stepping away from his role on MasterChef” after receiving complaints from individuals concerning historical allegations of misconduct. Banijay UK also announced an “immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate” the matter, adding that Wallace was “committed to fully cooperating throughout the process”.