TV presenter Greg Wallace will step down as host of the British version of MasterChef, which airs on the BBC, amid an investigation into allegations of historical misconduct.
Mr Wallace, who has been a co-host and judge on the cooking show since 2005, is “committed to co-operating fully throughout the process”, the show’s production company Banijay UK said.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We take all issues raised seriously and have strong processes in place to deal with them.”
The BBC received a complaint this week “from an individual linked to past allegations of misconduct” while working with Wallace on one of his Banijay UK shows, the company announced on Thursday.
The company added: “In order to conduct a full and impartial investigation, we believe it is appropriate to conduct an immediate external review.”
Banijay UK added that Wallace will leave his role on MasterChef while this review takes place and is “committed to cooperating fully throughout the process.”
“Banijay UK’s duty of care towards staff is always paramount and our expectations regarding behavior are made clear to both cast and staff on all productions, and we welcome concerns to be raised in multiple ways, including anonymously. , clearly advertised on set.
“While these are historical allegations, instances where these expectations were not met will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed.”
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘We take all issues raised seriously and have strong processes in place to deal with them.
“We have always been clear that any behavior that falls below the standards expected of the BBC will not be tolerated.
“Where an individual is contracted directly to an outside production company, we will share any complaints or concerns with that company and will always support them in addressing them.”
Wallace has previously appeared on a number of BBC shows including ‘Saturday Kitchen’, ‘Eat Well for Less’, ‘Supermarket Secrets’, ‘Celebrity MasterChef’ and ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’. 2014 Come Dancing” contestant.
Last year, Wallace received a national honour, becoming a member of the Order of the British Empire, for his services to food and charity.
