MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has leapt to the defence of veteran entertainer Christopher Biggins after the latter faced criticism for making light-hearted remarks about prisons during a public appearance.
Biggins, 75, sparked outrage when he quipped about 'grabbing women' during a talk at a literary festival. The comment was met with mixed reactions, with some audience members finding it humorous while others deemed it inappropriate.
Wallace, 59, who has worked alongside Biggins on various television projects, told reporters: 'Chris was just being funny - that's what he does. People need to understand his sense of humour.'
The Controversial Remarks
During the event, Biggins had shared anecdotes from his long career in showbusiness, including his experience visiting prisons for charity work. It was during this segment that he made the controversial joke that later circulated on social media.
Public Reaction
The comments divided opinion online, with some social media users calling them 'outdated' and 'offensive', while others defended them as harmless banter typical of Biggins' stage persona.
Wallace emphasised that context was important: 'Chris has spent decades making people laugh. He's one of the kindest people I know in this industry and would never intentionally cause offence.'
Biggins' Career Legacy
The entertainer, known for shows like 'Surprise Surprise' and pantomime performances, has previously faced criticism for other controversial remarks. However, he remains a beloved figure in British entertainment with a career spanning over 50 years.
Wallace concluded: 'We live in times where people are too quick to take offence. Chris is a national treasure who's brought joy to millions. That's what we should be focusing on.'
