Gregg Wallace has stepped down from presenting Inside The Factory after seven years to concentrate on caring for his three-year-old son Sid, who has autism and is non-verbal. The 58-year-old will continue as a judge on MasterChef, but said the decision to leave the BBC factual series was driven by the need to support his son's education and development.
Speaking on Gaby Roslin's BBC Radio London show, Wallace explained that Inside The Factory required extensive travel away from his family. He noted that parenting Sid is 'not easy', describing him as a 'lovely, lovely little boy' with a 'wonderful mother', but added that his son's condition means he cannot be threatened or bribed, and his inability to speak leads to frustration.
Wallace shares Sid with his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini, who is 21 years his junior. He first revealed Sid's autism diagnosis on Loose Women last July, noting that the boy 'wasn't answering his name, and wasn't playing peekaboo' despite being able to walk and run. Sid also has global development delay, which affects his speech.
The presenter said he and his wife are now focused on finding the right education for Sid, a decision he feels he cannot leave solely to his wife. 'All parents worry about the schools that children will go to. Ours is even more highlighted because of poor little Sid's issues,' he said.
Wallace has already filmed 12 episodes of Inside The Factory, which will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from April. The BBC confirmed that a new presenter will be announced in due course. Jack Bootle, the corporation's head of specialist factual, praised Wallace for his 'humour, intelligence and genuine curiosity' and thanked him for his hard work and commitment.
