BBC probe | MasterChef host Gregg Wallace sacked ahead of misconduct report release

The BBC has sacked Gregg Wallace, the former MasterChef host, following a surge of workplace misconduct claims. More than 50 new complaints, ranging from inappropriate language to allegations of groping and exposing himself, have emerged, spanning his 17-year career at the broadcaster.

The controversy centres on an independent probe by the law firm Lewis Silkin, commissioned by Banijay UK, which produces MasterChef.

The report is due to be released imminently, though Wallace has opted to speak out before its publication. Reports suggest the investigation will clear Wallace of the most serious allegations but find him guilty of inappropriate language and conduct. Wallace also suggested the report exonerates him of ‘all the serious allegations’ against him.

Reports made against Wallace included groping a crew member, pulling down his trousers in front of colleagues during fittings or on set, and making sexualised jokes and comments to staff, including female contestants and junior crew. Eleven of the complainants alleged behaviour that could be classified as sexual misconduct, while the others cited lewd remarks and unwelcome jokes .