John Torode issues statement on BBC MasterChef future as he breaks silence on Gregg Wallace saga
WATCH HERE: Bev Turner questions why the taxpayer is paying the BBC to investigate Gregg Wallace
GB NEWS
BBC MasterChef host John Torode has confirmed he will remain a part of the show's presenting line-up amid the investigation into co-star, Gregg Wallace.
The show's production company Banijay has launched an investigation into Wallace, 60, over allegations of historical misconduct.
The presenter was accused of "inappropriate sexual comments" by 13 former contestants on the show, including Newsnight's Kirsty Wark.
In the days since Wallace announced he'd be stepping down from MasterChef pending the investigation, other famous faces have come forward with damning comments about the 60-year, including Sir Rod Stewart - who branded him a 'bald-headed, tubby bully' - Kirstie Allsopp and Melanie Sykes.
Wallace's lawyers have vehemently denied any allegation of wrongdoing and insisted it is "entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature".
On Wednesday, Torode weighed into the saga, penning on Instagram: "Since last Friday I have been away filming MasterChef overseas.
"I love my job, and I love MasterChef. 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.
"The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear, and I have found the recent press reports truly upsetting.
"But as I hope everyone appreciates there is an investigation underway, which I fully support, so I cannot make any further comment at this stage.
BBC MasterChef: Gregg Wallace and John Torode
BBC
"And I hope that you all understand and respect my silence on the matter moving forward."
As well as the 13 allegations lodged against Wallace, fresh claims emerged yesterday of further "inappropriate" conduct.
The BBC reported allegations against Wallace from three women that included claims of groping and exposing himself.
One unidentified woman used the moniker Lisa when speaking to the BBC and alleged Wallace "brushed past me at the checkout, and touched my bum with his waist and penis and laughed" while filming Eat Well For Less.
She also alleged the 60-year-old quipped to her: "Oh, you liked that didn't you!"
'Lisa' added: "But I wasn’t okay about it. When I finished the shoot, I felt it was slimy, disgusting. He just didn’t need to touch my body, it made me uncomfortable."
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Gregg Wallace stepped away from MasterChef last week
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Wallace has vowed to remain out of the spotlight as the investigation continues after sparking controversy by branding the women who'd lodged complaints "middle-class women of a certain age".
He apologised for the remarks on Monday, saying in a recorded message to his Instagram followers: "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."
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