MasterChef presenter John Torode has said he has found the recent reports about co-host Gregg Wallace “truly upsetting”.
In his first comments since the allegations surfaced, Torode said he would continue to be part of the BBC programme, adding: “The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear.”
Wallace is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour from more than a dozen people across a range of shows over a 17-year period. His lawyers have said it’s “entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Torode said he had been away filming MasterChef overseas since last Friday, shortly after the allegations were made public.
“I love my job, and I love MasterChef,” he said. “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.”
Torode said he “fully” supports the current investigation into Wallace’s alleged behaviour, but could not comment further while it is ongoing.
“I hope that you all understand and respect my silence on the matter moving forward,” he added.
On Tuesday, the BBC confirmed it was removing two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials from the schedule. However, the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is airing as planned.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster said it took the decision as the series can be “life-changing” for the chefs taking part, but the “Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show”.
Wallace has temporarily stepped down from the cooking show while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by producers Banijay UK.
The BBC has also pulled three repeat episodes of Inside The Factory from the Christmas schedule.
Sky News can confirm the broadcaster was alerted to Wallace’s “unacceptable” behaviour while filming the series more than a year and a half ago, with a memo shared with staff at the Nestle factory in York showing concerns were raised with after his final visit in February 2023.
More allegations have surfaced against the presenter this week – with two women claiming he had inappropriately touched them.
One told the BBC he “groped” her bottom, while another alleged he laughed after touching her bottom “with his waist and penis” when brushing past her.
A third claimed Wallace’s penis was partially exposed in his dressing room in what she felt was a “power play”.
The Guardian also reported a complaint that he once asked a sign language interpreter to translate “big boobs” and “sexy bum” in front of the audience at the BBC Good Food Show.
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