“`html
MasterChef host John Torode expressed that he finds the recent allegations regarding his co-host Gregg Wallace “truly distressing”.
The duo has co-hosted the BBC One culinary program for nearly two decades, since 2005.
In his initial remarks since the claims emerged, Torode mentioned he would remain part of the show, stating: “The idea that anyone who has been on our program did not have a positive experience is horrifying to hear, and I have found the recent media reports truly distressing.”
Wallace is facing accusations of inappropriate conduct from over a dozen individuals spanning a period of 17 years across various programs. His legal representatives have previously vehemently denied that “he engages in behavior of a sexually harassing nature,” according to BBC News.
In an announcement shared on Instagram, Torode shared that he had been away filming MasterChef abroad since last Friday.
“I cherish my role, and I treasure MasterChef,” he remarked. “I adore being a part of it and will remain involved.”
“Throughout the past few days, I’ve been focused on creating the best culinary program, so immersing myself in making the show and nurturing our contestants has afforded me little time to ponder anything else, though that has been challenging.”
MasterChef Christmas specials have been removed from the programming schedule. Pic: Yui Mok/PA
Torode indicated he “fully” supports the ongoing investigation into Wallace’s alleged conduct but refrained from making further comments while the inquiry is active.
“I hope you all comprehend and respect my decision to remain silent on this matter moving forward,” he added.
Torode gained prominence in television during the mid-1990s as the resident chef on ITV’s This Morning and joined the renovated version of MasterChef when it debuted in 2005. The program, originally named MasterChef Goes Large, followed the initial series, which was hosted by Lloyd Grossman from 1990 to 2001.
On Tuesday, the BBC confirmed it was removing two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials from the schedule in light of the allegations against Wallace. Nonetheless, the ongoing series of MasterChef: The Professionals is being broadcast as scheduled.
A representative for the broadcaster remarked that the decision was made as the series can be “transformative” for the chefs participating, while the “Christmas specials are evidently a different format”.
Read more:
What are the allegations – and what has Wallace stated?
‘Middle-aged women’: An epic failure in crisis management
Wallace has momentarily withdrawn from the culinary show while past misconduct allegations are undergoing external review by producers Banijay UK.
The BBC has also eliminated three repeat episodes of Inside The Factory from its Christmas programming.
Torode’s response starkly contrasts with Wallace’s remarks
For twenty years he has stood side by side with Gregg Wallace, but now, through a single Instagram post, John Torode is making significant efforts to distance himself from the man he has been closely associated with.
He mentions that physical distance is the reason behind his delayed comments, emphasizing that he has been away filming internationally. Simultaneously, he admits that it’s been difficult to think of much else.
In contrast to Wallace’s wildly inappropriate comments from Sunday morning (for which he has since issued an apology), Torode’s response is markedly different.
Their relationship has always been unusual. Torode has, in interviews, frequently pointed out that they do not socialize outside of work. These published statements may come in handy for Torode in the future when maintaining public support.
Wallace has denied any allegations of a sexually harassing nature through his lawyers, and he likely has not seen his former co-host’s Instagram post, having reportedly unfollowed him over the weekend.
As lawyers appointed by MasterChef’s producers, Banijay, conduct their independent examination into Wallace’s alleged misconduct, it’s understandable that Torode cannot elaborate further.
However, his post is likely to be well-received by the BBC, as Torode respectfully conveys his dismay at the allegations while simultaneously defending the beloved primetime series, suggesting he has no plans to leave and expressing hope that…
“`The program will proceed with or without Wallace by his side.
Sky News can verify that the network was notified of Wallace’s “unacceptable” conduct while filming the series over 18 months ago, with a memo distributed to employees at the Nestle factory in York indicating that concerns were flagged after his last visit in February 2023.
Additional accusations have emerged against the host this week – with two women alleging he inappropriately touched them.
One woman informed the BBC that he “groped” her posterior, while another claimed he chuckled after touching her rear “with his waist and penis” as he brushed past her. A third individual asserted that Wallace’s genitalia was partially visible in his dressing room, an act she interpreted as a “power play”.
The Guardian also unveiled a complaint stating that he once asked a sign language interpreter to convey “big boobs” and “sexy bum” before the audience at the BBC Good Food Show.
Previously, a former contestant recounted to Sky News that a comment made by Wallace upon her return as a guest judge left her weeping in the restroom.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
‘If it’s just banter then why am I crying in the toilet?’
Another individual characterized the accusations as the “tip of the iceberg” regarding the show – alleging that he observed a “toxic atmosphere” on set and that the issue was “more extensive” than merely the host.
Sky News has reached out to Wallace’s representatives for a response concerning the allegations against him.
Over the weekend, he released a video dismissing the initial allegations, attributing them to “middle-class women of a certain age”.
He subsequently shared another clip apologizing for those statements.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Wallace apologises for video: ‘I wasn’t in a good head space’
What have the BBC and producers stated?
A representative from Banijay UK, which has engaged a law firm to oversee the investigation, emphasized that the organization takes complaints “extremely seriously” but will refrain from commenting on specific allegations while the external inquiry is underway.
“It is essential to highlight that MasterChef welfare protocols are frequently updated and reinforced, with clear guidelines established to assist both crew members and participants,” the representative noted.
“These measures offer various avenues for reporting concerns, including anonymous submissions.”
In light of reports that several complaints had been raised with the BBC, a source within the organization stated that it would be inappropriate to suggest that the BBC has been inactive when matters have been brought to its attention – noting that it has been widely reported that interventions occurred in both 2017 and 2018 that resulted in action being taken.
Last week, a BBC spokesperson remarked that any concerns raised are treated with utmost seriousness and that there are “robust procedures in place” to address them.
“We maintain a strong position that any behavior falling below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated,” they affirmed.
