Gregg Wallace steps down from BBC MasterChef as 'misconduct' accusations investigated

Wallace, 60, has starred on the cooking show since 2005 alongside John Torode, 59.

It comes after a separate BBC review found he could continue working at the corporation following reports of a alleged 2018 incident.

The report was from his appearance on Impossible Celebrities.

Last month, Wallace denied saying "anything sexual" while appearing on the game show.

A statement from 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 under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating 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.

"If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakupbanijayuk.com in confidence."

In October, Wallace addressed the claims on social media.

Posting an Instagram video, he stated: "The story that is hitting the newspapers...

"This was investigated promptly when it happened six years ago by the BBC and the outcome of that was that I hadn't said anything sexual.

"I'll need to repeat this again. I didn't say anything sexual. Thank you for your time."

He then posted a second video in which he claimed: "Despite what the newspapers are suggesting, nobody six years ago accused me of flirting with anybody or hitting on anybody.

"And the reason I say this is because of my wife, Anna [Sterpini]. I have always been true to my wife Anna, and have never flirted or hit on anybody in the 12 years that I met her and fell in love with her."

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Wallace continued: "It's important that so that people don't misunderstand. I am true to my wife."

According to The Sun, Wallace was accused of making "inappropriate sexual comments" to a younger female member of the production team.

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."