Gregg Wallace became “bigger” than BBC MasterChef before dramatically stepping down in the wake of a ‘misconduct’ investigation, according to a showbiz reporter.
Speaking on GB News, Libby Eyres said Wallace’s decision to step down was in his and the BBC’s best interests.
“We’ve heard about sexualised jokes and remarks about clothing”, she said.
“We know he gave an interview about his day which went viral for mentioning only seeing his autistic son between the hours of 1.30pm and 3pm. That interview went everywhere.
Gregg Wallace has stepped down from his presenting role
PA
“It’s obvious he’s becoming a divisive figure. Once you become bigger than the programme, it becomes a problem for a programme as iconic as MasterChef.
“Him stepping away was the best thing for him to do to protect the programme.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Libby Eyres joined Martin Daubney on GB News
GB NEWS
“Whatever happens, I am sure they will find that the programme is bigger than the presenter as well.”
The 60-year-old, who has co-hosted the popular cooking show alongside John Torode since 2005, faces complaints from 13 individuals about inappropriate behaviour.
Former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark is among those who have made allegations against Wallace, according to BBC News.
The investigation will be conducted by production company Banijay UK, who confirmed Wallace will cooperate fully with the process.
Gregg Wallace has quit BBC MasterChef BBCWark told BBC News that Wallace had told stories and jokes of a "sexualised nature" in front of contestants and crew during her appearance on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011.
"I think people were uncomfortable, and it's something that I really didn't expect to happen," she said.
Other allegations include Wallace reportedly taking his top off in front of a female worker, claiming he wanted to "give her a fashion show".
He is also accused of telling a junior female colleague he wasn't wearing boxer shorts under his jeans.
Responding to the allegations, Wallace’s lawyers say it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.
Banijay UK said in a statement: "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."
The BBC confirmed it takes any issues raised "seriously" and has "robust processes in place to deal with them."
Pre-recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Wallace will continue to be broadcast as planned, including Thursday's scheduled episode.
The production company has provided a confidential email address for anyone wishing to raise concerns: speakup@banijayuk.com.
