Gregg Wallace, the former presenter of MasterChef, has issued a public apology for comments he made that contributed to his dismissal from the popular cooking competition show. The remarks, which he attributed to “middle-aged” women, provoked widespread criticism and were part of a review into his conduct on set.
Wallace, aged 61, was removed from his role in July 2025 after an investigation upheld various complaints against him. This followed a series of allegations regarding inappropriate behavior and language over the years. In a recent newsletter, he expressed regret for his earlier statements, describing them as “stupid, defensive, and arrogant.”
In his Substack post, titled “The Culture on Set,” Wallace reflected on how the incident marked a significant turning point in his life. He acknowledged that his comments were hurtful and did not represent his true beliefs. According to Wallace, the pressure he felt during the review led him to lash out, a response he now recognizes as unacceptable.
Wallace’s Apology and Reflection
Wallace’s apology is part of a broader attempt to address the atmosphere on set, which he described as one of “bawdy humor” that often included sexual innuendos. He noted that he believed such language was acceptable in the context of the show and felt encouraged by his colleagues to participate in this culture.
“I always loved a bit of banter and a bit of a laugh,” Wallace wrote. “I behaved the way I thought was expected of me.” He compared his behavior to the light-hearted banter seen on shows like The Great British Bake Off, suggesting that the shift in societal attitudes towards such humor caught him off guard.
Despite his long career as a television personality, Wallace admitted that he had faced a formal warning in 2018 for inappropriate language on another show, which he described as a “complete shock.” This warning marked a change in his work environment, leaving him feeling anxious and uncertain about how to communicate in the workplace.
A Timeline of Allegations and Consequences
The scrutiny of Wallace’s behavior has been extensive, with a report by Lewis Silkin revealing 45 substantiated allegations against him, including claims of inappropriate sexual comments and one instance of unwelcome physical contact. These findings were part of a broader investigation initiated by Banijay, the production company behind MasterChef, following multiple complaints over a span of 17 years.
In November 2024, Wallace faced numerous allegations from 13 individuals, including reports of inappropriate remarks about his personal life and behavior that made colleagues uncomfortable. Following the backlash from his comments, Downing Street criticized his remarks as “inappropriate and misogynistic,” prompting further conversations about the treatment of women in the workplace.
In the aftermath of his dismissal, Wallace transitioned to a role as a personal trainer and has been active on social media, sharing healthy recipes and life coaching advice. He is also currently pursuing legal action against the BBC for alleged distress and harassment, claiming the broadcaster did not properly respond to his requests for personal data.
Wallace concluded his recent reflections by accepting responsibility for his actions and their impact on others. He emphasized that he never intended to make anyone uncomfortable, noting the challenges that might have discouraged contestants from speaking out against inappropriate behavior.
As the ongoing dialogue about workplace culture and accountability continues, Wallace’s experience serves as a significant case study in the evolving expectations of behavior within the entertainment industry.
