Gregg Wallace misconduct allegations are “another nightmare for the BBC,” media commentator Paul Connew has said.
Speaking to GB News, Connew highlighted that this controversy follows recent issues involving Huw Edwards, Jermaine Jenas and Jay Blades.
Connew raised questions about the BBC’s handling of complaints, expressing particular concern about the investigation being carried out by production company Banijay UK rather than the broadcaster itself.
“I think the BBC need to be investigating themselves, not just passing it back to Banijay,” Connew said.
Among the allegations, BBC News reported claims of Wallace “talking openly about his sex life” and “taking his top off in front of a female worker”.
Wallace’s lawyers have stated that “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.
In an Instagram post on Thursday evening, Wallace addressed the situation, saying: “I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support.”
Former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark is among the complainants, alleging Wallace told jokes of a “sexualised nature” during her appearance on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011.
Wark told the BBC that on two occasions Wallace relayed stories and jokes of a “sexualised nature” in front of contestants and crew. She stated these comments were “really, really in the wrong place”.
Connew questioned why the BBC hadn’t investigated the allegations earlier, given Wallace’s alleged history.
The media commentator raised specific concerns about Kirsty Wark’s experience, asking: “Did she mention it to anybody at the BBC or not?”
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He noted the story’s absence from Newsnight beyond showing front pages at the end of the programme.
Connew told GB News: “I suspect that some of the alleged victims of Gregg Wallace’s language are employed by Banijay.”
He expressed particular interest in knowing “who at the BBC knew the allegations and how long ago.”
Banijay UK announced it would conduct an “immediate, external review” to investigate the allegations.
The production company stated: “While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process.”
A BBC spokesman responded: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them.”
The spokesman added: “Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company.”
The MasterChef host has stepped away from the BBC cooking show while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed. However, recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Wallace will transmit as planned.
