Despite the swirling controversy surrounding Gregg Wallace, the BBC has confirmed that tonight’s episode of MasterChef: The Professionals will go ahead as planned on BBC One.
The 60-year-old presenter has been embroiled in a scandal following allegations of making “inappropriate sexual jokes” and other misconduct claims, which he vehemently denies through his lawyer, stating “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.
As the drama unfolds, fans have been left wondering whether the popular cooking series and its spin-offs would still hit the screens with Wallace featuring in pre-recorded segments. However, during an evening news update on BBC Radio 4, listeners were informed: “The BBC has confirmed tonight’s episode of MasterChef will still be shown on BBC One.”
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The BBC’s official website maintains the schedule for episode 16 of the 17th series of MasterChef: The Professionals to air at 9pm, teasing viewers with a synopsis hinting at the intense semi-finals where the remaining eight chefs fight for their spot in the final six.
(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
Earlier today, Wallace said sorry for remarks where he claimed complaints about his behaviour were from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”, and mentioned he will now “take some time out”. The MasterChef star, embroiled in various allegations including making “inappropriate sexual jokes”, turned to Instagram stories this morning to offer an apology.
He stated: “I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people. I wasn’t in a good headspace when I posted it, I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege yesterday when I posted it. It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out, now while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope you will accept this apology.”, reports the Mirror.
He’s facing heat after Downing Street called his weekend comments “inappropriate and misogynistic”. Aged 60, he is up against claims from 13 individuals over 17 years on several shows, as BBC News reported last Thursday, with more people recounting their experiences recently.
His lawyers counter, saying it is totally untrue that he indulges in sexually harassing behaviour. Last Thursday, the world heard that Wallace would step back from the beloved BBC cookery programme while historical conduct complaints are looked into by Banijay UK, the show’s producer.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has since held talks with BBC bosses in the wake of the Wallace investigation. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said on Monday: “The Culture Secretary spoke with the BBC leadership at the end of last week on this matter and wider workplace culture issues to seek assurances that there are robust processes in place to deal with complaints.
“Clearly the comments we have seen from the individual over the weekend were completely inappropriate and misogynistic. More broadly the BBC is conducting an independent review into workplace culture which must deliver clear and timely recommendations. It’s essential that staff and the wider public have confidence that the BBC takes these issues seriously.”
Addressing the accusations in a post on Instagram on Sunday, Wallace said: “I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn’t right.”
Wallace’s statement sparked a backlash, with former Celebrity MasterChef contestants Ulrika Jonsson, Kirstie Allsopp and Emma Kennedy among those who criticised his response.
In response to claims that multiple complaints had been lodged with the BBC, a source from the corporation stated it would not comment on individuals or any internal HR processes. However, they added it would be “wrong to report the BBC has done nothing if or when matters have been raised with us – not least because it is already being widely reported there were interventions in both 2017 and 2018 where action was taken”.
Allegations about Wallace’s behaviour on Channel 5’s Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends were also brought to BBC News by staff members. Rumpus Media, the show’s producer, said it would be investigating allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
Banijay UK, the production company, confirmed it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead an investigation into the alleged behaviour of Wallace.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
