Celebrity chef and longtime MasterChef UK co-host Gregg Wallace has announced his departure from the popular BBC cooking competition following a wave of backlash over workplace behavior. While Wallace has been officially cleared of serious misconduct after an internal BBC investigation, he admitted to using inappropriate language during filming—an admission that has added fuel to ongoing public scrutiny.
Reports of Wallace’s alleged “abrasive” conduct on set first surfaced earlier this year, with claims that several junior staff members had raised concerns about his tone and treatment of crew. In response, the BBC launched a formal review into the allegations, which concluded that while Wallace had not breached any major behavioral codes, his comments were “inappropriate and unprofessional.”
In a statement released Tuesday, Wallace said his decision to step down was “in the best interest of the show and my fellow colleagues.” He added: “Though I’ve always worked with passion, I recognise that my words can sometimes come across too strongly. I apologise to anyone who felt disrespected.”
The 59-year-old has been a staple on MasterChef UK since 2005, hosting alongside fellow judge John Torode. His energetic delivery, food enthusiasm, and no-nonsense judging style helped define the show’s tone. But recent behind-the-scenes accounts described a growing discomfort among some crew members, particularly newer staff who felt “intimidated” by Wallace’s communication style.
BBC Studios, while confirming Wallace’s voluntary departure, expressed gratitude for his two decades of service. “Gregg has played a pivotal role in MasterChef’s global success. We respect his decision and wish him the very best,” the network’s spokesperson said.
Wallace’s exit comes at a time when the BBC has been working to improve workplace culture, especially in high-pressure production environments. The incident also reignites broader industry conversations about on-set conduct, professional boundaries, and how “passion” for creative work can sometimes cross into problematic territory.
Though cleared of serious wrongdoing, Gregg Wallace’s departure marks the end of an era on MasterChef—and a reminder that even TV icons are not immune to accountability in today’s media climate.