Gregg Wallace steps down from MasterChef over BBC complaints

BBC presenter Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef after complaints from individuals about historical allegations of misconduct including alleged inappropriate sexual comments.

Wallace, 60, is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said.

Already recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals, which is currently on BBC One and featuring Wallace, will transmit as planned into December.

Banijay has not revealed the nature of the allegations, but last month it was claimed he had boasted about his sex life to a younger female BBC employee and took his top off in front of her.

Mr Wallace is yet to comment today, but in October vehemently denied that he had made inappropriate sexual comments towards women, declaring that he would never 'flirt with' or 'hit on' another woman. 

In a statement to the PA news agency, Banijay UK 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.'

The BBC has said it takes any issues that are raised with it 'seriously'.

A BBC spokesperson said: '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.'

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.