Jessie Wallace has returned to social media with a series of NTA snapsCredit: instagram
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She posted pics of her in high spirits after being caught in tears at the partyCredit: instagram
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Jessie fled in floods of tears at the celeb-packed bashCredit: The Sun
Before she was left in tears, she was seen dancing with her co-stars and being labelled as the “life and soul of the party”.
Now, Jessie has taken to Instagram to share a collection of snaps from the evening and has made no reference to the reasoning behind her tearful exit.
The Kat Slater star, 53, shared images from both before, after and during the NTA ceremony in which she could be seen beaming from ear-to-ear.
Keeping coy about her tearful antics, Jessie captioned the snaps: “What a great night! Thank you to everyone who voted for@bbceastendersand my pal Steve and the gorgeous@jacjossayou are AMAZING!
Read More on Jessie Wallace
“Love all me EE faaaaaaamily.”
Jessie cuddled up to many of her co-stars in the pics including Michelle Ryan and Jacqueline Jossa.
She even included a shot from the after-party in which she could be seen with Love Island host Maya Jama.
Jessie’s night turned eventful unexpectedly when she was seen running through the after-party in tears.
Jessie, 53, had been seen in high spirits during Wednesday night’s ceremony at London’s O2 Arena.
She was later spotted at the official after-party with her colleagues, including Scott and former co-star Charles Venn.
EastEnders star suddenly bursts into tears at NTAs after-party leaving onlookers baffled
An onlooker said: “Jessie was the life and the soul of the party and was on a high after they’d picked up their big award.
“She was seen chatting with Charles and a few other people and was having a real laugh.
“But then suddenly out of nowhere she just burst into tears in front of everyone.
“Scott was like a superhero and just scooped her out and took her out of the party.
“No one could work out why Jessie was in tears. People just looked a bit baffled.”
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Jessie hasn’t spoken about her tearful displayCredit: instagram
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Scott Maslen escorted her outCredit: The Sun
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Jessie had a fun-filled night at the NTAsCredit: Alamy
A second MasterChef contestant has been edited out of the current BBC One series following the scandals that saw longterm hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace sacked
14:05, 14 Aug 2025Updated 14:06, 14 Aug 2025
A second Masterchef contestant has been edited out of the current series that the pair are froting(Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
A second MasterChef contestant has been edited out of the current BBC One series, which has faced controversy and seen both presenters dropped from their roles.
A spokesperson for the show’s production company, Banijay UK, said: “One other contributor decided that, given recent events, they would like not to be included. We have, of course, accepted their wishes and edited them out of the show.” It comes after John Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner breaks her silence after his MasterChef sacking.
The pair have fronted the series for years but recently came under fire (Image: BBC)
The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment. Both Wallace and Torode remain in the series, which began last week on BBC One and on iPlayer.
In November 2024, it was announced that Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated, and last month a statement from Banijay UK and the BBC said they had agreed “Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable”.
Wallace, 60, issued an apology saying he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and that he “never set out to harm or humiliate” in the wake of the Lewis Silkin review, which saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld.
Torode, 60, was the subject of an allegation about using racist language that was upheld as part of the review, but the TV star said he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened” by the claim.
The PA news agency understands the second contestant to be edited out of the show has asked not to be identified and will not feature in the show.
The episode which would have featured the individual was broadcast on BBC One on Wednesday night, but the programme featured only five chefs rather than the usual six.
Last month, the BBC confirmed the series, which was filmed last year before allegations against Wallace and Torode were upheld, would be broadcast in August, adding that it had “not been an easy decision in the circumstances.”
It added: “In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.
“However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.
“At this stage, we have not taken a decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, which was filmed earlier this year, and we will confirm our plans later in the year.”
In an interview with The Sun last month, Wallace apologised to anyone hurt by his behaviour but insisted he is “not a groper, a sex pest or a flasher”.
Torode and Wallace became MasterChef co-hosts in 2005 and celebrated the shows 20th anniversary at a dinner in 2024, which Wallace said was “one of the most emotional evenings” of his life.
John Torode, left, and Gregg Wallace have presented MasterChef since 2005
A second MasterChef contestant has been edited out of this year’s scandal-hit series, BBC News can reveal.
A spokesperson for the show’s production company, Banijay, said: “One other contributor decided that given recent events they would like not to be included. We have of course accepted their wishes and edited them out of the show.”
Another contestant, Sarah Shafi, was also removed from the series after asking for it not to be broadcast, following a report which upheld claims against hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
The BBC decided to still show this year’s amateur series, which was filmed before the pair were sacked, saying it was “the right thing to do” for the chefs who took part.
But it faced a backlash from some women who came forward, while the broadcast union Bectu said bad behaviour “should not be rewarded with prime-time coverage”.
Former Celebrity MasterChef contestant and BBC journalist Kirsty Wark also suggested the BBC could have refilmed the series without the two co-hosts.
In the event, both Wallace and Torode remain in the series, which began last week on BBC One and on iPlayer.
But the episodes appear to have been edited to include fewer jokes than usual, with less chat between them and the chefs.
The episode which would have featured the second contestant was broadcast on BBC One on Wednesday night, but only featured five chefs rather than the usual six.
BBC News understands the individual has asked not to be identified and they will not feature in the show.
It’s believed Shafi’s episode has not yet aired.
The BBC previously said it had not been “an easy decision” to run the series, adding that there was “widespread support” among the chefs for it going ahead.
“In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters,” it said.
“However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.”
Upheld complaints
The controversy over MasterChef started last year, when BBC News first revealed claims of misconduct against Wallace.
Last month, a report by the show’s production company Banijay revealed that 83 complaints had been made against Wallace with more than 40 upheld, including one of unwelcome physical contact and another three of being in a state of undress.
He has insisted he was cleared of “the most serious and sensational allegations”.
In a recent interview with The Sun, he said he was “so sorry” to anyone he hurt, but insisted that he was “not a groper, a sex pest or a flasher”.
The upheld complaint against Torode related to a severely offensive racist term allegedly used on the set of MasterChef in 2018.
The presenter said he had “no recollection” of it and that any racist language is “wholly unacceptable”.
Wallace will be replaced by Irish chef Anna Haugh in the final episodes of the new series, as that is when the allegations against him first emerged during filming in November.
MasterChef viewers had to switch off just minutes into the new series premiering on TV when they realised John Torode and Gregg Wallace were still presenting the show
MasterChef viewers had to switch off just minutes into the new series premiering on TV when they saw John Torode and Gregg Wallace had not been edited out (Image: BBC)
MasterChef viewers had to switch off just minutes into the new series premiering on TV. The BBC culinary staple came under fire recently as presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace were both sacked over different matters, and fans were quick to slam television bosses for not editing them out of the broadcast.
Torode’s contract was not renewed by production company Banijay UK, after he was alleged to have used racist language, whilst his co-star Gregg was fired from the programme after 41 of the 83 complaints against him were upheld by an investigation into his conduct. And despite the scandal, viewers tuned in to the launch of the 21st series but were quick to make their disdain known when the two TV stars appeared on screen as normal.
One viewer wrote on X: “I shall tune in to this for 10 or 15 minutes just to see how it has been re-cut to remove its presenters,” before adding just minutes later: “Well I’ve switched it off. The @BBC has made no attempt to remove them from the show.” A second viewer admitted they had done the same, and suggested that the broadcaster should have replaced them with a voiceover instead. It comes after reports Gregg Wallace is trying to ‘earn a living’ after MasterChef exit amid ‘battle every day’.
One viewer suggested the pair should have been replaced by a voiceover(Image: BBC)
They wrote: “We have also switched off Master chef. I can’t bear to watch. Of course they could have edited the presenters out and had some sort of voice over.” A third viewer said: “I’m shocked and stunned that the BBC are putting on master chef after Greg Wallace was sacked are they so hard up for new programmes.”
Despite the scandal, some fans believed that the series would be a ratings winner for the broadcaster, with one viewer saying: “This is gonna end up being one of the most watched series of masterchef ever, isn’t it?” and a second agreed, as they said: “I’ll bet #MasterChef gets it’s highest ever viewing…” and a third also predicted: “Viewing figures are gonna be sky high.”
There was no acknowledgment of the scandal at the beginning of the episode, and things seemed to continue as normal as viewers were introduced to this year’s lineups. The amateur chefs taking to the kitchen this year include marketing manager Shaun, former actress Penelope, kickboxing instructor Gom, marketing co-ordinator Thea, business development manager Gemma, and vocal coach Beth. In the end, it was Penelope, Thea and Gemma who were voted on into the quarter finals, leaving six more hopefuls to try their luck in the kitchen next week.
Upon her elimination, Penelope said: “I’m sad, but I’ve just had a great time. It’s been adventure. I’m going to take on the feedback I have received but I’m not going to change my ways of experimenting because that to me is the joy of cooking.”
Wallace was axed from the series after law firm Lewis Silkin upheld 45 out of 85 complaints against him of inappropriate behaviour. While the 60-year-old has admitted to using inappropriate language at times, he denies the more serious allegations. Meanwhile, co-host Torode did not have his contract renewed with Banijay UK, who make MasterChef, after he was alleged to have used racist language amid an investigation into his former co-star’s behaviour.
He claimed he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened. One user said on X/ Twitter : “The decision to screen MasterChef tonight is unforgivable. There was no need to show this next series on BBC when they could’ve just streamed it on iPlayer and people who wanted to watch it would still have been able to. We will switch BBC off.”
Another fan was convinced: ” #MasterChef will contain some type of message this evening or it would have been pulled.”
The latest series of MasterChef landed on BBC iPlayer this morning before airing on BBC One at 8pm. There had been concern over the future of the already filmed series following both Wallace and Torode’s axe.
However, they both appear in the introduction shots of the first episode. Torode said: “This is the sort of stuff that dreams are made of”, while Wallace told a contestant: “That is a cracker of a job”.
MasterChef is returning tonight with hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode as its presenters, despite the pair being recently fired from the BBC One series following an investigation
MasterChef fans threaten to boycott over Gregg Wallace and John Torode inclusion(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
MasterChef fans are furious that former hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode are included in tonight’s episode of the BBC programme. The duo were recently axed from the series for different reasons after Wallace was initially under investigation over complaints made about his behaviour.
Wallace was axed from the series after law firm Lewis Silkin upheld 45 out of 85 complaints against him of inappropriate behaviour. While the 60-year-old has admitted to using inappropriate language at times, he denies the more serious allegations. Meanwhile, co-host Torode did not have his contract renewed with Banijay UK, who make MasterChef, after he was alleged to have used racist language amid an investigation into his former co-star’s behaviour.
While the duo have been axed from the programme, they are still featuring in tonight’s episode of MasterChef, much to the disappointment of fans.
They rushed to social media to express their anger as they threatened to boycott the series for showing the two hosts on our screens this evening.
One user said on X/Twitter: “The decision to screen MasterChef tonight is unforgivable. There was no need to show this next series on BBC when they could’ve just streamed it on iPlayer and people who wanted to watch it would still have been able to. We will switch BBC off.”
Some fans were annoyed with the two former hosts’ inclusion(Image: BBC)
“I hope no one watches #MasterChef #BBC,” said one user along with an angry face emoji. One added: “ou shouldn’t be showing it either. Poor decision Mr Davie. I think your days are numbered.”
Another fan was convinced: “#MasterChef will contain some type of message this evening or it would have been pulled.”
The latest series of MasterChef landed on BBC iPlayer this morning before airing on BBC One at 8pm. There had been concern over the future of the already filmed series following both Wallace and Torode’s axe.
However, they both appear in the introduction shots of the first episode. Torode said: “This is the sort of stuff that dreams are made of”, while Wallace told a contestant: “That is a cracker of a job”.
Despite both Wallace and Torode appearing in the episode, their screen time has tanked compared to previous series. BBC bosses have begun to airbrush the pair out of MasterChef – reducing screen time and removing them from promotional pictures on iPlayer.
THEY were the larger than life characters who ruled the MasterChef kitchen for 20 years.
But as Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s reign as judges ended under a murky cloud of accusations of sexist and racist language, the relationship between the two men publicly soured quicker than warm milk.
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John Torode and Gregg Wallace have co-presented MasterChef for 20 yearsCredit: Twitter/John Torode
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The duo’s reign as judges on the show ended under a murky cloud of accusations of sexist and racist languageCredit: PA
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Despite their on-screen chemistry winning them an army of fans, their relationship behind the scenes seems unconventional to say the leastCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
They may have known each other for more than 30 years, but their relationship has always been complicated.
But those who know Wallace, 60, and Torode, 59, best are unlikely to be surprised that battle lines were drawn.
Despite their on-screen chemistry winning them an army of fans, their relationship behind the scenes seems unconventional to say the least.
As Torode once said bluntly: “It’s funny, we’ve never been friends.”
After moving to the UK in the 1990s, Australian Torode was working at a London restaurant when he first encountered Wallace, who was the owner of George Allan’s Greengrocers.
And despite their good working relationship as chef and supplier, in 2013 Torode spoke about his doubts about Wallace for MasterChef.
“In 2005 I was asked to go to an interview about some cooking show and Karen Ross, the boss at Shine, the production company involved, said, ‘I’d love you to do it, but I need to audition people to partner you with.’ I had everyone from AA Gill to Oliver Peyton,” he told The Independent.
“One day she asked, ‘Do you know a guy called Gregg Wallace?’ I had misgivings, as Gregg was big, brash and loud.
The Gregg Wallace Interview Part Two
“Actually, nothing has changed, except no one expected the success the show has had.”
And Wallace had a similar view of Torode from their old days, recalling their first meeting: “It was a hot day and the kitchen door was open into the alleyway and I saw this young brash Aussie chef with his trousers rolled up around his knees, a tartan baseball cap, and a voice that was as loud as his attire.”
But working together so closely filming MasterChef – which returned today – was always going to take its toll on two big characters.
Torode told The Independent: “Spending 200 days a year filming together, we got a lot closer, but any relationship where you spend that much time together inevitably gets strained.
“We used to fight about stuff, as we’re both so opinionated. In the first series it was over [eventual winner] Thomasina Miers, as Gregg had said, ‘There’s no way I want her.’
“Then in the second round he said, ‘I want her.’ And I said, ‘You git, how can you hate someone vehemently one day then like them?’”
6am phone calls
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Torode claimed Gregg used to call him up at 6amCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Torode said the pair used to fight about stuff because they’re “both so opinionated”Credit: IAN YATES/FAMOUS
Wallace has said there is no-one he is closer to, other than his mum, than Torode and has praised his former co-star for supporting him with his mental health struggles.
But it has seemed that it is Torode who has wanted to keep their relationship purely professional, complaining about everything from Wallace’s 6am phone calls to his OCD tendencies.
Speaking to The Times in 2022, Torode said: “We know each other so well. But that’s not to say we don’t have our moments.
“With Gregg my issue is the 6am phone calls. Last time it happened I wasn’t very happy and I said, ‘Gregg, mate, it’s 6am.’ And he said, ‘But you’re on my list!’
“That’s the thing with Gregg, he gets up very early and his whole life is diarised and run on lists. Anyway, the next time I saw him face to face I sensed that disturbance in the force — I knew there was something wrong. I said, ‘Mate, come on, what’s up?’
“He said, ‘You weren’t very nice to me on the phone the other morning.’ I said, ‘It was 6am!’ and he said, ‘But I get up at 5am and you were on my list!’
Best man… but ‘not friends’
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Torode was Wallace’s best man at his fourth wedding to Anne-Marie Sterpini
But in 2013 Torode was the one who said he would be open to expanding their friendship, but Wallace’s OCD made it complicated.
He claimed: “Gregg has rules in the dressing-room that are pretty easy to understand as they are vocalised quite often.
“Things like, ‘Don’t put anything on my table, don’t touch my stuff and stay on the left-hand side of the room until lunch.’
“I know that, with his OCD, if I went to his house, say, I’d have to sit in a certain place. It’s frustrating, as I’m open [to expanding the friendship], but I don’t feel Gregg is.
“But he’s also given me so much: he’s taught me the importance of being self-deprecating and he’s made me laugh at myself. He’s fun and very funny.”
But it was just a year later that Torode said they weren’t even friends.
“It’s funny, we’ve never been friends,” he told The Mirror.
“We’ve not been to each other’s houses… He’s so OCD, he wouldn’t know what to do. He’d build it up in his mind for three days, and probably make himself quite sick, then he’d have an argument with his wife and not turn up.
“If I went to his house, he would feel like he wasn’t in control.”
Fractured
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The duo fell out over series one winner Thomasina MiersCredit: Camera Press
Whatever their relationship was before the MasterChef scandal saw them both out of a job, it seems that it is now fractured beyond repair.
The pair were both fired by the BBC last month after a report into the cooking show upheld allegations against them.
The report revealed that more than 40 complaints against Wallace had been upheld, including one of unwelcome physical contact and another three of being in a state of undress.
He has insisted he was cleared of “the most serious and sensational allegations”.
The upheld complaint against Torode related to a severely offensive racist term allegedly used on the set of MasterChef in 2018.
The presenter said he had “no recollection” of it and that any racist language is “wholly unacceptable”.
Despite unfollowing Torode and his wife Lisa on social media, Wallace defended Torode in an interview with The Sun, saying: “I’ve known John for 30 years and he is not a racist.”
But he added: “We never really did get on that well. We’re two very, very different characters.
“But we made bloody good telly together for 20 years.”
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Despite unfollowing Torode and his wife Lisa on social media, Wallace defended him in an interview with The Sun, insisting he is not a racistCredit: PA
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Gregg Wallace broke down while discussing the MasterChef scandal in an exclusive interviewCredit: Dan Charity
INDIANAPOLIS — Bubba Wallace became the first Black driver to win a major race on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 2.5-mile oval, surviving a late rain delay, two overtimes, concerns over running out of fuel and a hard-charging Kyle Larson on Sunday in the Brickyard 400.
The third NASCAR Cup victory of Wallace’s career was also his most significant — his first win at one of the series’ four crown jewel races.
It snapped a 100-race winless streak that dated to 2022 at Kansas. He also won at Talladega in 2021, but this milestone victory also gave him a playoff spot. No Black driver has won the Indianapolis 500, and Formula 1 raced on the track’s road course.
“Unbelievable,” Wallace shouted on his radio after crossing the yard of bricks.
And while the final gap was 0.222 seconds, he didn’t reach victory lane without some consternation.
Larson trailed by 5.057 seconds with 14 laps to go but the gap was down to about three seconds with six remaining when the yellow flag came out because of rain. The cars rolled to a stop on pit lane with four to go, giving Wallace about 20 additional minutes to think and rethink his restart strategy.
But after beating Larson through the second turn, a crash behind the leaders forced a second overtime, extending the race even more laps as Wallace’s team thought he might run out of gas.
Bubba Wallace celebrates after winning the Brickyard 400 on Sunday.
(Darron Cummings / Associated Press)
Wallace risked everything by staying on the track then beat the defending race winner off the restart again to prevent Larson from becoming the fourth back-to-back winner of the Brickyard.
It also alleviated the frustration Wallace felt Saturday when he spent most of the qualifying session on the provisional pole only to see Chase Briscoe surpass with one of the last runs in the session.
He made sure there was no repeat Sunday, giving an added boost to the 23XI Racing co-owned by basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and last week’s race winner, Denny Hamlin, as it continues to battle NASCAR in court over its charter status.
The race inside the race — the In-Season Challenge — went to Ty Gibbs, who had a better car than Ty Dillon in qualifying and on race day. Gibbs finished 21st to win the inaugural March Madness-like single-elimination tournament and collect the $1 million prize.
Dillon, a surprise championship round entrant after making the field as the 32nd and final driver, finished 28th.
Three-time series champ Joey Logano appeared to have the edge with 26 laps to go until his right rear tire went flat. Though he was able to drive it into pit lane for a tire change, he lost power and struggled to get back on the track, knocking him out of contention.
Ryan Blaney held off Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin to win the second stage, giving Blaney his fifth stage win of the year. Pole winner Chase Briscoe won the first stage, finishing ahead of Bubba Wallace and William Byron. It was Briscoe’s second stage win of the season, his first since Pocono.
Bubba Wallace kisses the Brickyard 400 trophy after winning Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Allegations against MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld, and they both lost their jobs on the BBC programme, which has aired in various guises since 2005
06:27, 24 Jul 2025Updated 06:39, 24 Jul 2025
John Torode and Gregg Wallace had presented MasterChef for 20 years (Image: BBC/Shine TV)
The BBC has stressed it wants to “properly recognise” the MasterChef contestants by airing a series filmed last year before allegations against Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld.
But they filmed a series last year before these claims were upheld, and the BBC has decided to air this to honour the amateur chefs involved. However, the futures of the celebrity series and the Christmas special, again both already filmed, remain unclear as yet.
Reacting to the news on Wednesday, one former MasterChef worker said the decision to go ahead showed “a blatant disregard for the people who have come forward”.
Speaking to BBC News, she warned it was “a total reversal of so-called firing from MasterChef – how can you be fired by your work is still made public? While a gap in the prime time schedule is not ideal, for integrity they should have found other series to go into those slots.”
Gregg and John, pictured last year, will feature in the series of MasterChef due to air next month(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
However, the BBC said in full: “After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August. MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.
“This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it. In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.
“However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.
“At this stage we have not taken a decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, which was filmed earlier this year, and we will confirm our plans later in the year.
“Most importantly MasterChef is a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual. There are many talented, dedicated and hard-working people who make the show what it is. It will continue to flourish on the BBC and we look forward to it returning stronger than ever in the future.”
The statement followed news last week that Torode’s contract on MasterChef would not be renewed, as confirmed by the BBC and production company Banijay UK.
Torode, who celebrated his 60th birthday on Wednesday, confirmed he was the subject of an allegation about using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace.
The BBC and Banijay UK are reportedly still planning to air the final MasterChef series featuring axed Gregg Wallace and John Torode despite findings – and when the ‘dust settles’
Gregg Wallace and John Torode fronted MasterChef for years(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s final series of MasterChef will reportedly still be aired. It has been revealed that the BBC and Banijay UK are keen to air the final two series featuring the presenters “when the dust settles”.
Gregg Wallace’s position on MasterChef became “untenable” after 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour were upheld following a seven-month investigation. John Torode was also axed after he confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language. However, John said he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened.
Now sources have revealed that the BBC and Banijay are currently planning to air the already-filmed two series of MasterChef including a celebrity version. Gregg and John both appear in one and Grace Dent stepped in for Gregg in the other.
“These past eight months have been truly hellish for all concerned. The BBC and Banijay have faced a moral and professional dilemma like never before. Obviously Gregg’s case was more clear cut, but John being dragged through the mud wasn’t what anyone wanted or expected to happen,” a source said.
John Torode and Gregg Wallace have left MasterChef but their final series could air(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
“But at the same time, and as a publicly funded body, the BBC has a duty to both provide entertainment as well as fulfil its obligations to cast, crew, contestants and viewers alike. If they were to can these two series, hundreds of people — those who appeared or worked on the shows — would be so bitterly disappointed.”
The insider added to The Sun : “So the feeling at present is that the show, quite literally, must go on — albeit once the dust has settled and all the fuss died down. The two presenters have already been cancelled on the Beeb — they don’t wish to cancel the series too; neither of which, it must be noted, received any complaints.” The BBC has been contacted by The Mirror for comment.
In a lengthy statement, the BBC said they had no plans to work with Wallace again. They wrote: “We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour. We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.
“No decision has yet been made over the completed series of MasterChef, which was not broadcast earlier this year while the investigation was conducted. 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. At the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.”
John Torode, who has presented BBC’s MasterChef with Gregg Wallace since it was revived as MasterChef Goes Large in 2005, said he had “no recollection of the incident”
00:43, 15 Jul 2025Updated 00:50, 15 Jul 2025
John Torode has confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language(Image: BBC)
John Torode says he is “shocked and saddened” by the allegation he used racist language working on MasterChef.
The presenter, who has hosted the BBC show with Gregg Wallace since it was revived as MasterChef Goes Large in 2005, insists he has “absolutely no recollection” of the incident, which was upheld as part of a review into the behaviour of Wallace.
Now, it has emerged two standalone allegations were made against other people, one of which was the use of racist language made by 59-year-old Torode. Speaking last night in the wake of the fresh developments, another blow to the MasterChef brand, Torode said: “Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld.
“For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.
“I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
Gregg Wallace and John Torode have fronted MasterChef for nearly 20 years(Image: BBC/Shine TV)
The chef, who has also been a regular on This Morning, posted his piece on Instagram following Wallace’s statement, in which he said he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused”. The entrepreneur, originally from Peckham, southeast London, added he “never set out to harm or humiliate” in the wake of the report, which said one allegation of “unwelcome physical contact” was upheld. In all, 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, the report by MasterChef production company Banijay UK and led by law firm Lewis Silkin found.
As soon as the investigation into the historical allegations of misconduct was opened last year, Wallace stepped down from his role on the BBC programme. Yet, in a statement last week, the father of three made a reference to “trial by media” – despite dozens of allegations being upheld.
“For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended,” Wallace, who has also been on Saturday Kitchen, said.
The report found that the “majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018”, with only one allegation substantiated after 2018. MasterChef returned to our screens in 2005 – after a four-year break – under the guise of MasterChef Goes Large and has since been branded as MasterChef. Two Christmas specials scheduled to air in the festive period last year were pulled by the BBC amid the investigation.
Associate Editor Tom Bryant reflects on meeting Masterchef star Gregg Wallace who opened up about his fears over losing his job during an extraordinary interview in late 2023
22:31, 11 Jul 2025Updated 22:38, 11 Jul 2025
The Mirror’s Tom Bryant opens up about meeting Gregg Wallace(Image: Tim Merry/Daily Mirror)
After I spent a morning in Gregg Wallace’s company, I felt like I needed a lie down. Meeting him to record an episode of my podcast, he was – at first – everything I had expected him to be: brash, extrovert and very loud.
In fact, he was not unlike his persona on BBC show MasterChef, with his booming voice and cockney cackle of a laugh. But after a few hours with him in late 2023 – and a very revealing interview – I came away with a very different perspective of the former Peckham greengrocer. Namely: how has this clearly troubled man with a host of demons risen to the top of the TV pile and stayed there for so long?
Under-fire: Gregg Wallace has been axed from Masterchef(Image: Pixel8000)
It’s pertinent now as his career lies in tatters amid a swirl of accusations. This week alone we learned that 50 more people have made claims about him to BBC News.
Most accuse him of inappropriate sexual comments. Eleven women accuse him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, which he denies. If the claims against him are true, you can see in a heartbeat why he was relieved of his job as MasterChef co-host, a role he had since 2005.
When I met him in 2023, I found it hard to comprehend how he coped in the glare of the public eye. The answer was that he didn’t.
During our recording in the basement of a private members’ club in Soho in London’s West End, he talked about how being on TV exacerbated his mental health struggles.
It was a candid chat. But there was a niggling thought at the back of my mind that things wouldn’t end well.
I couldn’t put my finger on it – and I still struggle to – but 20 months later, the situation has well and truly imploded. He had revealed how the more famous he got, the worse his anxiety grew. He told me: “I used to not be able to go on holiday without getting anxiety attacks.”
At one point, Gregg looked me in the eye as he said how he lived in constant fear his career could end at any moment.
He said: “Why was I always scared of losing my job? Why was I always scared of losing my house? Why was I always scared of being poor?”
Being on telly made his anxiety levels soar. “TV is terrible for someone with anxiety,” he said. “I’ve had the same PA for 12 years. She went, ‘My word, you picked the wrong profession.’”
His stint on Strictly was a disaster. BBC bosses were so worried they got a therapist for him mid-series.
He said: “I was having a tough time. I was really stressed – so badly that the side of my face broke out into a rash, like cold sores.”
Gregg Wallace: worried about losing his job(Image: PA)
He told me his fourth wife Anna pleaded with him for them to quit the UK and live in Italy, asking him: “Is this worth it?”
A lot of his issues stemmed from a childhood blighted by abuse. Aged eight, he was sexually assaulted by a babysitter’s husband. Gregg told me: “I didn’t tell anybody at the time. I did tell my mum when I was older but she didn’t seem to want to know.”
He said of the abuse: “It was quite a horrendous situation for a young boy.”
Clearly, none of this could excuse some of the appalling behaviour heis now accused of.
There are some who may question why Gregg was on TV in the first place given his fragility. But mental health problems should not preclude you from your passion.
And I’m told that producers recognised he needed help and assigned him a full-time welfare specialist over the past six months.
This week he claimed to have received a formal autism diagnosis. Gregg, 60, said on Tuesday: “My neuro-diversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected by colleagues across countless seasons of Master-Chef. Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for 20 years.”
Autism charities have reacted with fury to these comments, with one saying the condition is “not a free pass for bad behaviour”. Emily Banks, founder of neurodiversity training body Enna, said: “Being autistic is never an excuse for misconduct.
“It doesn’t absolve anyone of responsibility and it doesn’t mean you can’t tell right from wrong.”
But as one executive on a rival channel told me: “This isn’t about whether Gregg has autism.
“This is about what MasterChef knew about the wronged women over the years, and whether they just turned a blind eye.”
We now have to wait and see if the long-awaited MasterChef review into the saga provides the answers when it comes back on Monday.
The BBC has told Greg Wallace that they don’t believe he’ll change his behaviour in a scathing letter from compliance boss Claire Powell that has been shared with The Mirror
22:04, 10 Jul 2025Updated 22:49, 10 Jul 2025
Gregg Wallace has been accused of misconduct claims that he denies(Image: BBC/Glenn Dearing)
Gregg Wallace struggles to grasp the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, BBC bosses claim. And in a letter sacking him from his MasterChef job, the corporation insisted he is unlikely to change amid accusations that include groping, flashing and making sexual comments that go back years.
While the 60-year-old has admitted using inappropriate language at times, he denies the more serious allegations and has now hired an “aggressive” lawyer who may challenge his axing. In the letter from the BBC to Wallace, extracts of which have been seen by the Mirror, compliance boss Claire Powell refers to the findings of a law firm’s probe into his behaviour – which are yet to be released.
Gregg Wallace has been fired from MasterChef(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
She said: “I do not have the confidence that you can change what seems to be learned behaviour for you to make what you perceive to be jokes in the work -environment, without understanding the boundaries of what is appropriate.
“You acknowledge some of your comments have offended or upset people. But it is clear that you struggle to distinguish the boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate -behaviour in the workplace, as well as lacking an awareness of why your behaviour impacts others.
“I do not have confidence that your behaviour can change.”
A source close to Wallace said the TV chef claims the letter is unfair. But show producers Banijay are understood to be in no doubt about the next steps that need to be taken after the report by law firm Lewis Silkin.
The insider said the letter refers to Wallace’s autism and appears to accept his condition. The source said: “He’s been formally diagnosed with autism, a recognised disability, but the BBC seems to be saying it can’t cope with a disabled person. It sounds a lot like discrimination to us.”
Wallace is now understood to have hired Dan Morrison, one of the UK’s top litigation lawyers who has worked with Nigel Farage and footballer John Terry.
His firm’s profile page states: “Dan has recovered billions of pounds for his clients over 25 years of legal practice. He is known for his aggressive approach to litigation and his ability to negotiate favourable settlements for his clients.”
Wallace is expected to try to sue the BBC, although it is not yet clear if this will be for unfair dismissal, or something else.
He was warned by the BBC after a complaint was raised about him in 2018 on the show Impossible Celebrities. He apologised and was offered counselling.
Wallace was told in a meeting to change his behaviour and had coaching the following year. There were also complaints about him that same year on MasterChef. He was given a dressing down by Kate Phillips, who was then controller of entertainment and is now the BBC’s chief content officer.
She reportedly told Wallace his behaviour had been -“unacceptable and cannot continue”. BBC News has claimed that 50 more people have made claims about him.
Banijay last night declined to comment. The BBC also said it would not comment beyond the statement issued on Tuesday, which stated: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace.
“We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”
Wallace insisted earlier this week: “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.”
Former MasterChef star Gregg Wallace isn’t expected to return to the BBC show following his departure but it’s now been teased that he could sign up for a project on ITV
18:59, 10 Jul 2025Updated 19:04, 10 Jul 2025
It’s been teased that Gregg Wallace could sign up for a reality TV show with a rival channel to the BBC(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace has “quietly” parted ways with his former agent, Dylan Hearn. He’s now represented by John Miles, who is known for taking on clients who find themselves in tricky situations.
Sources said that Bristol-based Miles, who also represents Graziano di Prima, Martin Bashir, Noel Edmonds and Nick Knowles – among others – is said to have looked after the MasterChef star’s interests “for some months”. One source said: “Gregg was quietly dumped by his former agent and has since been signed up by John, who knows what he’s doing when it comes to fallouts with the BBC, in particular.”
It’s been suggested that Gregg Wallace could take part in I’m A Celebrity(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
They added: “He’s looked after many people who’ve found themselves battling in pretty intense situations. Don’t be surprised if Gregg suddenly turns up on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here. He’s got a lot of beans to spill.”
A potential stint on I’m A Celebrity would see Gregg, 60, follow in the footsteps of restaurant critic Grace Dent, who competed on the show in 2023. Grace withdrew from the ITV reality TV show after just over a week in camp.
More recently, Grace was last year named as Gregg’s replacement on Celebrity MasterChef following his exit. She will appear alongside returning host John Torode, who had fronted the culinary show with Gregg since 2006.
It was announced last year that Gregg would step away from the BBC‘s MasterChef whilst its production company Banijay UK reviewed historical misconduct complaints, said to be from across a range of shows. As reported at the time, he said through a lawyer: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
Earlier this week, it was reported that Gregg had been fired from MasterChef after a year-long investigation into the allegations. He issued a lengthy statement on Tuesday in which he claimed that he has been exonerated of “all the serious allegations which made headlines last year” but apologised after saying that he was found “primarily guilty of inappropriate language”.
Gregg said that he has been cleared by the Silkin report of the “most serious and sensational accusations” made against him and accused the BBC of “peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories”. He apologised for the inappropriate language which the report found him “primarily guilty” of between 2005 and 2018 though.
A stint in the jungle would see him follow in the footsteps of Grace Dent, who was a campmate a year before being named Gregg’s replacement on Celebrity MasterChef(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fortnum & Mason)
He also said in the statement: “I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as 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.
“My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef. Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years. That failure is now being quietly buried.”
A BBC spokesperson told the Mirror at the time: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”
It’s understood that Banijay will be releasing the report and that the BBC did not fire Gregg as the corporation does not employ him. He was instead reportedly employed by Banijay.
Amid the news of his departure from MasterChef, it was reported that Gregg is facing fresh misconduct claims from 50 people. The presenter is said to have denied all allegations.
The Mirror can reveal that BBC bosses are convinced that Gregg Wallace’s filmed MasterChef episodes will still air despite the presenter’s recent sacking from the show
21:04, 09 Jul 2025Updated 22:23, 09 Jul 2025
Gregg Wallace may make a shock return to MasterChef
Gregg Wallace may have been sacked from MasterChef but bosses at the BBC and production company Banijay are convinced the series he’d already filmed before the scandal could yet be saved. One option is that the cookery competition, which cost an estimated £8million to make and was intended to run for 24 hour-long episodes across eight weeks on primetime BBC1, could be shown on iPlayer only.
The decision over its future on BBC1 will fall to director general Tim Davie, who must choose whether to show it on BBC1 or iPlayer or shelve it if it was deemed inappropriate. The BBC said that decision would only be made once the report from law firm Lewis Silkin is made public later this week.
Gregg Wallace has been fired from MasterChef(Image: BBC /Shine TV)
One insider said: “Once the report comes out, we will all know what the legal review has found. Gregg has claimed that many of the more serious allegations against him have not been upheld, and has apologised for the rude and inappropriate language he used, causing complaints that were upheld. The feeling is the series is not dead yet – there are high hopes that it could yet see the light of day.”
The 24-part pre-recorded series was put on ice earlier this year after 13 women came forward to complain about presenter Wallace, 60. Since then, BBC News has claimed that 50 more allegations about him have been made by women, ranging from inappropriate language to groping and sexual intimidation, which he vehemently denies.
Sources close to the show – recorded last year – have said it would be “impossible” to cut him out entirely. As a judge alongside John Torode, Wallace is integral to the format and editing the series to limit his time on screen has also been ruled out.
It comes amid rumours that the winner of the series is considering legal action over their triumph not making it to the screen. One insider said: “For that person, the series not being shown has massive ramifications. They may well have wanted to launch a cookery career off the back of it and now feel that this controversy is preventing that opportunity – through no fault of their own.”
Gregg Wallace’s filmed series of MasterChef could still air(Image: BBC)
For the contestants, and especially for those who reach the final and the winner, taking part in MasterChef is huge. The show has been life-changing for a great many people who have gone on to pursue careers in cooking.
“These 24 episodes are finished and have been delivered to the BBC. To not show them would be a huge waste of licence fee payers’ money,” one insider said.
“One option is to limit the amateur series with Gregg as presenter to just an iPlayer showing. But it deserves more than that because the brand is huge for the BBC and so many viewers love watching it on BBC1.”
Last year the show celebrated its 20th anniversary with an event attended by 72 former contestants, including many champions whose professional lives changed course as a direct result of taking part. The show also has a dedicated production team who put in many hours of work in order to make the 21st series.
The BBC1 series – which cost an estimated £8million to make – should have been shown earlier this year but was put on ice while the review continued.
Wallace’s co-host John Torode is expected to continue on the show, flanked by a new presenter likely to be Grace Gent, who stepped in for Wallace on the celebrity version earlier this year, filmed in the new Birmingham studio and expected to start next month.
Another contender is Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt, who was drafted in for MasterChef: The Professionals alongside judges Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti. Filming on that series is just finishing and it is likely to air towards the end of the year in is usual slot.
The BBC said no decision has yet been made on whether the amateur show will air, or on who will be the next presenter of the main series.
The regular version of MasterChef normally goes out in the spring and this year has been replaced by a range of programming including The Repair Shop on the Road and repeats of Who Do You Think You Are?
Whatever the decision over the 21st MasterChef series, featuring Gregg Wallace, casting is already underway for the 22nd series, with applications now open via the show’s Instagram account.
Those who support Wallace says he is being made a scapegoat by those who are trying to protect the hugely important MasterChef brand, claiming he is guilty only of having a “terrible sense of humour” and telling rude jokes at inappropriate moments. But the many claims against him, some going back more than 14 years, include flashing, groping and inappropriate sexual comments.
The official report is expected to be published today (THURS) or tomorrow, with Wallace claiming it will only be a short executive summary rather than the full findings.
He has questioned why “others” on the programme have not also had complaints against them investigated, saying in his post on social media earlier this week: “What really concerns me about the short summary is others who have been found guilty of serious allegations have been erased from the published version of events. I, and I’m sure the public, would like to know why?”
He has also hired a lawyer and vowed to fight his sacking, vowing: “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.”
Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace announced over the weekend that he is now offering one-to-one coaching for fans who want to get ‘fitter’ and ‘stronger’
Former MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace is offering one-to-one coaching after he “transformed” himself by embracing a new healthy lifestyle. He promoted the venture, which he said is priced at £200 a month, just days before the news of his exit from the show.
It was announced last year that Gregg, 60, would be stepping away from the BBC show whilst its production company Banijay UK reviewed historical misconduct complaints, which were said to be from across a range of shows. As reported at the time, he said through a lawyer: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
Then, earlier today, it was reported that Gregg had been fired from MasterChef after a year-long investigation into the allegations, with 50 people making new claims. He issued a lengthy statement this afternoon in which he claimed that he has been exonerated of “all the serious allegations which made headlines last year” but apologised after saying that he was found “primarily guilty of inappropriate language”.
Just days before the latest developments, Gregg took to Instagram over the weekend to share with his followers that he is offering coaching for people who want to “get fitter and stronger”. He wrote over a video message on Sunday: “One to One Coaching £200 a month.”
Gregg Wallace announced over the weekend that he’s offering one-to-one coaching for £200 a month(Image: greggawallace/instagram)
Gregg, who lost five stone in his fifties, said in the video itself: “Are you feeling well? Are you feeling energised and healthy? Because if you’re like me and you’re over 50, the chances are you have put a huge amount of effort into your job and looking after your family, and very little focus has gone on you and your wellbeing.”
He continued: “And you could be thinking to yourself ‘I wanna feel healthier. I wanna feel fitter. I’d like to get rid of this belly and look better in my clothes.’ I transformed my life. I’m now fitter at 60 than I was at 30 and let me tell you it’s not about eating salads and it’s not about being in the gym all day.”
Gregg, who has promoted his coaching role previously too, concluded: “What you need is a guide. Somebody to show you. Someone who’s done it. I coach people one-to-one. I help them get fitter and stronger as we get older because it’s important we look after ourselves. If you’d like to talk to me about helping you, leave me a message here.”
The former Celebrity MasterChef host shared in the comments section of the post that his coaching is “not just for over 50s”. And when asked by someone how they could sign up, Gregg told them to direct message him on the platform.
Gregg’s post was uploaded just days before it was reported today that he won’t be returning to the BBC. And he issued a statement this afternoon about an investigation that was launched into allegations previously made against him.
He said that he has been cleared by the Silkin report of the “most serious and sensational accusations” made against him and accused the BBC of “peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories”.
However, he apologised for the inappropriate language which the report found him “primarily guilty” of between 2005 and 2018. He went onto say: “I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as 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.
“My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef.
“Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years. That failure is now being quietly buried.”
The news came just days ahead of reports that he won’t be returning to MasterChef following an investigation into alleged misconduct(Image: BBC /Shine TV)
A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”
The Mirror understands that Banijay will be releasing the report and that the BBC did not fire Gregg as the corporation does not employ him. He was instead employed by Banijay.
MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace has released a lengthy statement on Instagram after being axed by the BBC following a nearly year-long investigation into misconduct claims – and we want to hear your thoughts
18:33, 08 Jul 2025Updated 18:46, 08 Jul 2025
Gregg Wallace has been axed by the BBC(Image: BBC)
Gregg Wallace has been fired by the BBC following an investigation into alleged misconduct – and we want to hear your thoughts. In December, the former MasterChef presenter was accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and jokes over a 13-year period.
It comes as 50 more people have approached the BBC with fresh claims about Wallace, BBC News reports. Wallace has strongly denied all claims. After reportedly being informed of his dismissal from the BBC by production company Banijay, the former greengrocer released a statement saying he has been exonerated of the most serious allegations levelled against him.
The 60-year-old wrote on Instagram: “I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly. But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me.
“The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures, which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.” He also accused the BBC of “peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories.”
Gregg continued: “To be clear, the Silkin’s Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018. I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.”
Now, Gregg has also claimed that “nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years”. As part of a lengthy statement, he shared: “I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as 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. My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef.” In another part of his statement, he insisted he “will not go quietly” and “will not be cancelled for convenience”, adding: “The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.”
The dad-of-three’s legal team have been given an early steer into the Silkins report, which is officially due out on Thursday. A series of complaints were made about the MasterChef last year, including ‘inappropriate behaviour’ and allegations of touching an assistant’s bottom on the BBC show.
Gregg stepped down from the show after denying the allegations, with his lawyers strongly denying Gregg engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. Gregg insisted via his legal team: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
With the Silkins report due to be released this week, we want to know if you think Gregg should have been sacked over the MasterChef scandal? Vote in our poll HEREto have your say.
Shaun Wallace, also known as The Dark Destroyer, will take part in a new brand new ITV show called The Great Escapers, which will see celebrities compete to plan the best day out
Shaun, who has been one of “the chasers” on Bradley Walsh’s quiz since 2009, told fans he was “very excited” to be filming for a new show called The Great Escapers. In a video posted on X, which was called Twitter, Shaun, 65, described the project as “a wonderful, exciting holiday adventure”.
The post read: “Very excited to be filming in Rhodes for a new show called ‘The Great Escapers’ with Mark @MarkLabbett and Jenny @jenlion. Looking forward to having a lot of fun with those two. Doing a spot of fitness in the sunshine, before we get going.”
Mark Labbett and Jenny Ryan are also experts on The Chase. However, it is understood neither Shaun, Mark or Jenny are leaving the quiz as, often, regulars on ITV entertainment programmes appear as guests on other shows.
Shaun, who is also a barrister, excited his 89,000 followers on X with the candid update. One fan gushed: “Have a swell time,” while another commented: “Hope you win your episode, Shaun!”
Each episode of The Great Escapers will see celebrities from different backgrounds compete to plan the best day out. Other episodes will feature stars from Coronation Street and Loose Women, among other shows and fames, it is understood.
Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment and Daytime ITV said: “We’ve got some of ITV’s best-known faces flying out to the most gorgeous destinations in this brand-new series. We can’t wait to see the cast of Corrie, I’m A Celeb…, The Chase and Loose Women in all of their holiday glory!”
The Great Escapers is in partnership with Jet2, one of the UK’s largest tour operators. The series will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player later this year, according to Express.co.uk.
Shaun, known as The Dark Destroyer on The Chase, is one of the original “chasers” on the teatime show. He and Mark, 59, have appeared in each of the 18 regular series, and 14 celebrity seasons.
Last month, fans of the programme were furious because it was taken off air due to ITV’s coverage of Royal Ascot. The Chase missed several episodes so the broadcaster could accommodate the racing event. Loose Women was also affected, as it was taken off air for three days; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, for the races.
The Chase first graced our screens in 2009 and swiftly became a staple on ITV. It features regular contestants vying against each other, testing their general knowledge for the chance to bag a hefty cash prize.
MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace has delivered some sharp criticism of President Trump since she became a host on the progressive-leaning cable news network in 2017.
So it’s surprising that her new podcast shares its name with one of Trump’s regular boasts about his team: “The Best People.”
“I thought he had abandoned it,” Wallace, 53, told The Times. “But I actually think ‘the best people’ was one of his best messages in 2016.”
“He abandoned it officially when he picked Matt Gaetz,” she added, referring to Trump’s first choice for attorney general.
Each week on “The Best People,” starting Monday, Wallace will have lengthy conversations with actors, musicians, thought leaders and other figures outside of politics. The guest on the first episode is actor and fellow podcaster Jason Bateman, followed by Sarah Jessica Parker, music producer Jimmy Jam, folk singer Joan Baez and Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers in coming weeks.
The jump into podcasting comes as the network looks for more ways to reach the growing number of consumers who are no longer watching cable TV.
The network says its existing audio podcasts, which include series from hosts Rachel Maddow, Chris Hayes and Jen Psaki, will top 10 million downloads in May.
“Our goal is to meet our audience where they are and to bring the talent of our hosts and anchors to them in those spaces,” said Madeleine Haeringer, MSNBC’s senior vice president of digital, audio and longform. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all formula — but instead, tailoring each project to both the host and the platform.”
Wallace said she was ready to expand her role at MSNBC before the corporate changes. Podcasting appealed to her because, as a working mom, she knows many women aren’t available to watch her daily program in the afternoon.
Her branching out into less overtly political territory is somewhat unexpected.
The former Bush White House communications director’s tenure on the ABC talk show “The View” was brief, partly due to her lack of pop culture expertise.
That’s not a concern this time around, she said. The guests she solicited for “The Best People” are coming to the table to discuss their own advocacy issues apart from the kind of instant political analysis presented on her MSNBC program “Deadline: White House.”
Wallace connected with Jimmy Jam when they discussed creating a “We Are the World” type of musical production to aid Ukraine. She knew Rivers through his social justice activism (as coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, he had to guide the players through the scandal over former owner Donald Sterling’s racist comments) and Parker for her devotion to literacy programs.
The podcast format allows them to open up in a way that doesn’t always happen on live TV.
“For some reason, people sitting in front of their computer screens on the Zoom are even more candid and forthcoming about how they feel,” Wallace said.
Wallace is wading into digital media at a time when MSNBC is in transition. The channel, along with other NBCUniversal cable outlets, is being spun off from current owner Comcast into a new company called Versant.
Comcast is getting out of the cable channel business, with the exception of its potent reality brand Bravo, out of concern about the steady decline of the pay TV audience. Over the last 10 years, cord-cutting has reduced the number of cable homes MSNBC reaches by 33%.
MSNBC also saw a mass exodus of viewers just after the presidential election, as its loyal left-leaning audience tuned out after Trump’s victory.
The ratings have gradually climbed back up, with MSNBC maintaining its second place position behind perennial cable leader Fox News but well ahead of third place CNN. In May, the network was up 24% from the lows it hit in November and December, but is still down 35% compared to the presidential campaign-elevated levels of a year ago, according to Nielsen.
But leadership at Versant has it made clear that MSNBC will continue to cater to a politically progressive audience.
Wallace believes the commitment to the network’s point of view has only deepened under new management. “It’s a culture that really rewards deep wonky coverage of politics,” she said. “[MSNBC President] Rebecca Kutler has come in and tripled down on all of that.”
The spinoff requires separating MSNBC from NBC News, where some journalists were uneasy with the intensity of partisan commentary on the cable network. Versant is hiring its own newsgathering team — as many as 100 journalists — including justice and intelligence correspondent Ken Dilanian, who is moving over from NBC.
“To work for someone who is hiring reporters at a time when we’re looking at an administration that seems a little meh about the Constitution is pretty forward leaning,” Wallace said.
She was inspired to try something new by the extracurricular activities of her husband, the New York Times’ Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Michael S. Schmidt, who co-created the Netflix thriller series “Zero Day” with former NBC News President Noah Oppenheim.
“Michael enjoyed it so much it gave me the idea to add something that is a little outside my comfort zone,” Wallace said.
Wallace met Schmidt, 41, at MSNBC, where he is a contributor. They married in 2022 and a year later had their first child via surrogate. Wallace also has a 13-year-old son, Liam, from her first marriage.
While Wallace and Schmidt have a business-like dynamic when they appear together on the program, family matters creep in off-camera.
“When we are both on set, my son is texting us about dinner,” Wallace said. “During the breaks, we’re never talking about the rule of law. We’re talking about logistics.”
Following the death of legendary BBC executive Alan Yentob, the Mirror’s Jessica Boulton looks back on the life and career of a daring outsider remembered as a ‘cultural visionary’
It was 1968 when a 21-year-old Alan Yentob first joined the BBC – the only non-Oxbridge graduate on the trainee scheme that year.
His application had been borderline cocksure, tinged with sarcasm.
Asked about his experience, he had famously replied: “My dramatic debut at the age of nine in The Merry Wives of Windsor was greeted with a gratifying critique: ‘You ought to be a film star, cos you’ve got smashing legs’.”
It was a daring and leftfield response for the then-notoriously-straight-laced Auntie. But it was one that worked.
East Londoner Alan, a Leeds graduate and son of Iraqi Jewish immigrants, turned his back on the family textile business, broke through the cliques of his Oxbridge colleagues and began his mission: to shake up the BBC.
The legendary TV executive started out as a young graduate on the BBC’s trainee scheme(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)
It was one he would continue for six decades, as he became the man responsible for introducing some of television’s most iconic and groundbreaking shows—from Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You, Ballykissangel, and the documentary series Imagine to Colin Firth’s Pride and Prejudice and Wallace and Gromit.
He launched the dedicated CBBC and CBeebies channels and (rightly or wrongly) championed a then-unknown Jeremy Clarkson for a little show called…Top Gear.
Now, after his death on Saturday at the age of 78, one word is dominating the tributes: “Visionary.”
Alan brought the world a number of iconic shows, including Absolutely Fabulous(Image: Getty Images)
His actress wife, Phillipa Walker, mother of his children, Jacob and Isabella, said: “Every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, he was exciting.
“He was curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide.”
BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “Alan Yentob was a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts. A creative force and a cultural visionary, he shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond. He had a rare gift for identifying talent and lifting others up.”
Among those he elevated was the duo French and Saunders, as Dawn French recognised last night. “We’ve lost a top chap. He was our advocate from the start,” she said on social media.
He was also responsible for the widely beloved 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice
David Baddiel, who starred in Alan’s series The Art Of Stand-Up, posted a picture of them together. “Here he is backstage after one of my shows, being incredibly supportive, as he always was,” said David. “A lovely man, and a king of TV.”
The Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe were the subject of one of Alan’s Imagine documentaries, which aired last year.
“Alan was a legend in British TV, responsible for some of the BBC’s finest programmes,” the duo said in a joint statement. “He was a stimulating person to spend time with.”
He certainly had some stories to tell.
Wallace and Gromit proved to be another hit series introduced by Alan(Image: BBC/Aardman Animations/Richard Davies/Stuart Collis)
Alan and his twin brother Robert were born in Stepney, east London, in 1947. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Iraq, who had built up a profitable textile company in the UK. The family spent a few years in Manchester before settling in a flat in London’s prestigious Park Lane. His parents gave the boys the best start possible, sending them to private school.
Alan would go on to graduate from Leeds University with a 2:2 in law but armed with a new passion – for drama. So while his brother went into the family business, Alan joined the BBC and worked his way from the ground up.
It was in 1975 that his talent for interviews and documentaries really emerged. In his now legendary Omnibus episode, Cracked Actor, Alan chronicled the vulnerability of the cocaine-addicted David Bowie in a way that had never been seen.
“He was fragile and exhausted, but also prepared to open up and talk in a way he had never really done before,” Alan once recalled. “Our encounters tended to take place in hotel rooms in the early hours of the morning.”
His work was recognised on both sides of the pond, with US music magazine Rolling Stone calling it the “greatest rockumentary ever”.
After that, Alan’s eye soon caught management’s attention: He became the youngest ever controller of BBC 2 in 1988, followed by BBC One controller in 1993 and then, via other roles, BBC Creative Director in 2004.
His path allowed him a chance to champion many of the standout shows of the past 35 years, including Middlemarch, the 2005 revival of Doctor Who, and Ballykissangel. Perhaps most welcome of all, he was also the man who decided to axe the much-hated soap Eldorado.
After making history as the youngest ever controller of BBC 2, Alan’s career continued to go from strength to strength(Image: PA)
Alan was not just in management. He also continued in front of the camera, mainly in his mission to make the arts accessible for all, with his documentaries for Arena and Imagine and The Late Show, a chat show devoted to art and literature. His interviewees included everyone from Billy Connolly and Mel Brooks to Maya Angelou.
Such was his appeal that sometimes it wasn’t clear who should be most grateful for the interview – Alan or his subjects.
Richard Osman once shared this telling anecdote: “Alan Yentob once walked into a TV green room I was in, looked around, then said ‘if you see Jay-Z, tell him Alan was looking for him’.”
It sums up Alan’s status to a tee.
But Alan’s was not a life without scandal. In 2007, Imagine was accused of inserting clips of him nodding into interviews where he hadn’t been present. An investigation later ruled that none of these made it to air.
Alan also faced pressure after buying a £3,381 London to New York business class while filming.
Alan’s life wasn’t without controversy(Image: PA)
But his biggest controversy, by far, involved the 2015 collapse of Kids Company, the charity of which he was chairman. He was questioned over a £3m government loan that had been issued shortly before it folded and criticised for not properly overseeing its finances.
Alan was then accused of trying to influence the BBC’s coverage of the scandal, claims he strongly denied. But he eventually resigned from his post as Creative Director six months later, only, he said, because the story was becoming “a serious distraction” from the BBC’s other work.
By last year, it was a distant memory as Alan was appointed a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours List for services to arts and media, before conducting what would be one of his last major interviews – the exclusive with his old friend and Godfather to his children, Sir Salman Rushdie, about his 2022 assasination attempt.
The pair had once arm-wrestled in the BBC satirical comedy W1A.
Rushdie had yet to find the words for what will surely be a very difficult tribute last night.
Yet BBC Radio 4 presenter Amol Rajan gave an unusually candid insight that Alan himself would no doubt have approved of.
Amol said: “He had his foibles and failures, but Alan Yentob was one of the most generous, influential, singular, passionate, supportive, creative and loved men of his generation.
“His shows were always brilliant, often masterpieces, sometimes seminal. That was public Alan. In private, he was magnetic, zealous, and very funny, with a mesmerising voice and mischievous chuckle. He oozed fortitude until the very last.”
Perhaps – at a time when terrestrial TV faces a fight for its survival – there’s one last legacy which Alan leaves the corporation – the drive to keep shaking things up.
Tim Davie added: “To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger.”
It’s true: the trainee who began with little to boast of but his “smashing legs” could never be accused of thinking small.
