Tearful Gregg Wallace says sex pest claims have devastated his family and apologises to co-stars he may have ‘hurt’ but insists: ‘I’m not a groper’

Gregg Wallace was sacked by the BBC after a review upheld multiple misconduct allegations(Image: BBC)

A visibly emotional Gregg Wallace broke down in tears over the fallout the report into his conduct has had on his family – while apologising to anyone he had “hurt” over the years.

The former MasterChef host, 60, was dropped by the BBC after a damning investigation that upheld 45 out of 83 complaints against him, ranging from inappropriate sexual language to one incident of unwelcome physical contact.

He has since spoken out in his first interview since the scandal erupted, desperate to set the record straight and repair the damage he says has been “deeply hurtful” to both him and his family. Wallace said, “There’s so much that I want to say, and so much that I want to put right, if I can,” he said from his Kent home. “I’m not saying I’m not guilty of stuff, but so much has been perceived incorrectly. Things that really hurt me and hurt my family.”

Fighting back tears, he pleaded: “I’m not a groper. People think I’ve been taking my trousers down and exposing myself — I am not a flasher. People think I’m a sex pest. I am not,” he continued in an interview with The Sun.

Gregg Wallace has spoken out about the controversy surrounding his career(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Production company Banijay UK commissioned a review by law firm Lewis Silkin concluded that Wallace had frequently used inappropriate language and humour, and substantiated multiple accounts of offensive conduct, which they later released their findings.

Despite this, Wallace insisted he never meant to cause harm, admitting, “I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. I never set out to harm or humiliate.”

He continued, “I understand now that I said things that offended people, that weren’t socially acceptable, and perhaps they felt too intimidated or nervous to say anything at the time. I understand that now – and to anyone I have hurt, I am so sorry.”

Gregg has also defended his co-star, John Torod,e in his new bombshell interview(Image: BBC/Shine TV)

Wallace also addressed his recent autism diagnosis, explaining how it may have affected his ability to read social cues. “I know people find me weird. Autism is a disability, a registered disability,” he added.

Wallace fiercely defended long-time co-host John Torode, who was also swept up in the review.

An allegation of racist language against Torode was upheld – but Wallace stood by him unequivocally, saying, “I’ve known John for 30 years and he is not a racist. As evidence of that, I’ll show you the incredible diversity of the people that he has championed, MasterChef winners, over the years.”

“There is no way that man is a racist. No way. And my sympathies go out to John because I don’t want anybody to go through what I’ve been through.”

Meanwhile, Torode denied the allegation. On Instagram, the celebrity chef said that he had “no recollection” of the alleged incident where he was said to have used racist language. He went on to add that he had “loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else”.

“I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards,” he added. “My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been.

“Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere.”

While the BBC has made clear that the findings against both men are serious, it confirmed that a pre-recorded amateur MasterChef series will still air from August 6. “This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances,” a spokesperson said. “But the show is bigger than any one individual.”

Their statement read, ““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 BBC has not yet made a final call on the celebrity edition and Christmas special, which were filmed earlier this year.