Wallace allegations 'truly upsetting' - John Torode.
MasterChef Presenter John Torode Addresses Allegations Against Gregg Wallace.
By Paul Glynn, Culture Reporter
MasterChef presenter John Torode has described the recent allegations against his co-host, Gregg Wallace, as "truly upsetting."
Torode expressed concern over the reports, saying, "The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear."
Wallace has stepped back from the show amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior, which he denies. In response, Torode, who has co-hosted the BBC One cooking show alongside Wallace since 2005, shared his thoughts on Instagram, affirming his dedication to the show:
I love my job, and I love MasterChef. I love being part of it and will continue to be part of it."
He added that while he has been busy filming MasterChef overseas, the investigation has weighed on him:
"During the last few days, I've been trying to make the best cookery programme, so being busy making the show and caring for our contestants has allowed me little time to think about anything else, but that has been hard."
Torode emphasized his support for the investigation and asked for understanding as he refrains from further comment:
"As I hope everyone appreciates, there is an investigation under way, which I fully support. I cannot make any further comment at this stage and hope you respect my silence on the matter moving forward."
Meanwhile, Wallace’s legal representatives have strongly denied allegations of sexually harassing behavior.
In light of the controversy, the BBC has removed several MasterChef holiday specials, including Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off and a Strictly -themed episode, from its festive schedule. However, the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals will continue as planned.
The allegations also prompted production company Banijay UK to announce that Wallace would "step away" from his role on MasterChef. They initiated an "immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate" the complaints, with Wallace pledging full cooperation.
A Legacy of Culinary Television
Torode became a household name in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV's This Morning. He joined MasterChef in 2005 when the show was revamped, and its success spawned several spin-offs, including Junior MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef, and MasterChef: The Professionals.
The original MasterChef series ran from 1990 to 2001, hosted by Loyd Grossman. The revamped version initially launched as *MasterChef Goes Large* before reverting to its original title in 2008.
While MasterChef has remained a beloved staple of British television, this recent controversy marks a challenging chapter for the program and its presenters.
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