Television host Gregg Wallace is to step down as the presenter of the U.K. version of “MasterChef,” which airs on public broadcaster BBC, while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated.
Wallace, who has been a co-host and judge on the cooking show since 2005, is “committed to fully co-operating throughout the process,” the show’s production company Banijay UK said.
A BBC spokesman said: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.”
The BBC received complaints this week “from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct” while working with Wallace on one of Banijay UK’s shows, the company said Thursday.
The company added that “we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.”
While this review is underway, Wallace will step away from his role on “MasterChef,” and is “committed to fully co-operating throughout the process,” Banijay UK added.
The company said its “duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behavior 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.”
A BBC spokesman 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 behavior 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.”
Wallace has appeared on a number of BBC shows in the past, including “Saturday Kitchen,” “Eat Well for Less,” “Supermarket Secrets,” “Celebrity MasterChef” and “MasterChef: The Professionals,” as well as being a “Strictly Come Dancing” contestant in 2014.
Last year, Wallace received a national honor – becoming a Member of the Order of the British Empire – for services to food and charity.
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