BBC confirms "no plans to work with" Gregg Wallace following review – but no decision on unaired MasterChef episodes

Today's report stated that there were 83 historical allegations of misconduct made against Wallace in total, and 45 of them were substantiated (per BBC News).

The majority of the substantiated claims related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, but one of unwelcome physical contact and another of being in a state of undress were also upheld.

Last week before the report was published, Wallace apologised for using "inappropriate" language, but said that the report cleared him of "the most serious and sensational allegations".

The BBC's newly released statement today reads: "We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace. In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future.

"The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.

"Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour - both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.

"We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour."

The statement continues: "Lewis Silkin’s findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals. The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is under way. This will be completed as a priority.

"The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production."

The statement also says that "at this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the [MasterChef] series that was filmed last year".

That season featured Wallace, and there has been a question about whether it will air – with the BBC not able to provide an update on that front yet.

"We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants," it says.

Last week, before the report was published, Wallace spoke out in a lengthy post on Instagram, saying that he had 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 said.

"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.

"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."

Last year, new seasons of both MasterChef and Celebrity MasterChef aired on BBC One. Since then, Grace Dent has been announced as Wallace's replacement on Celebrity MasterChef, at least for this year.

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