The BBC is faced with a dilemma over what to do with an unaired season ofMasterChefin light of the allegations made against a judge.They were fired fromMasterChefin 2024after allegations, including sexual misconduct, were made against him.
On July 14,Varietyreported that, after an investigation, 45 allegations of misconduct against Gregg were supported.
Now, theBBC has to make the decision about the fate of the last season ofMasterChefthat was filmed with Gregg’s involvement, prior to the allegations being made public.The Independentreported that the BBC wasn’t sure what to do with the unaired season, and they weren’t going to make a public decision “at this stage.”
MasterChef Star Banned From Working With BBC Amid Misconduct Allegations
Gregg Wallace Was Fired Last Year
Prior to the announcement about the results of the misconduct allegations,Gregg’s future with the network was already sealed.
The Independentreported that the BBC had stated that Gregg would be banned from ever working at the BBC again, citing thatGregg was not a safe person in the workplace.
The allegations against Gregg ranged from inappropriate comments and jokes to unwanted physical touching.Out of 83 complaints, 45 were upheldfollowing the seven-month investigation.
BBC Has Not Decided What To Do With Unaired Season Of MasterChef
BBC Declined To Make A Decision Now
Now that the allegations against Gregg have been investigated,the BBC is faced with a dilemmaon what to do with an unaired season of MasterChef that was filmed with Gregg last year, prior to the allegations being made. The network said in a statement toThe Independentthat for now, they wouldn’t be making decisions on whether to air the season.
“At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.”
TheBBCreported thatthey are weighing their options, including whether to air the season as planned, shelving it entirely, editing Gregg out, or adding the show to their streaming player. The last choice would give viewers agency, offering them to opportunity to view it or not.
Host Said He Won’t Go Quietly
Gregg Issued Statement Via Social Media
In a since-deleted Instagram post from July 8, which was reported byThe Independent, Gregg had stated that he was sorry for any of his wrongdoings, andowned up to perhaps being inappropriate at times, but that he wouldn’t be going “quietly.”
“I was hired by the BBC andMasterChefas the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem. … I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.”
Gregg went on to claim that an autism diagnosis played a part in his actions, a claim that was swiftly shut down by disability spokespeople like Emily Banks, founder of Enna, a company that trains businesses on hiring those who are neurodivergent.
Emily told theBBCthat, “Being autistic is never an excuse for misconduct. It doesn’t absolve anyone of responsibility, and it certainly doesn’t mean you’re able to’t tell the difference between right and wrong.”
Greggissued another statement via Instagram on July 14, slamming the BBC for leaving him “exposed to the media trail by fire and the damage it leaves.” In his most recent statement,Gregg again apologized for his misdoings, but reveled in being cleared of the more serious charges lobbied against him.
