Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has publicly apologised for his conduct, describing his initial response to allegations as 'stupid, defensive, and arrogant'. The 61-year-old, who was dismissed from the BBC cooking show in July last year, broke his silence in a lengthy Instagram post, though he continues to deny claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour.
A Public Apology and a Defence of Show Culture
In his statement, Wallace expressed regret for his immediate reaction when allegations first surfaced. He specifically apologised for dismissing complainants as 'middle-class women of a certain age' on social media, calling the remark hurtful and wrong. He admitted he failed to listen and lashed out when feeling cornered.
However, the presenter, who had been a host on the programme for nearly two decades, defended the on-set atmosphere. He insisted that the 'colourful' language and sexual innuendo were part of a boisterous culture engineered from the top down, and were no worse than what is regularly seen on shows like The Great British Bake Off or The 1% Club.
The 'Loud Greengrocer' Persona and Studio Energy
Wallace explained that he adopted a loud, cheeky persona to fit into what he described as a workplace full of bawdy humour. He claimed directors would whip up energy first thing in the morning, and it was his job to reflect that sentiment. The unscripted environment, he said, involved everyone trying to make each other laugh.
'Food is full of innuendo', Wallace stated, citing examples like 'spotted dick' and 'little tarts'. He argued he was not a lone wolf but part of an ensemble where cameramen made phallic shapes from ingredients and conversations about sex were common. He maintained his intent was never to make anyone uncomfortable and that he believed his behaviour was encouraged, as no director or producer ever told him to stop.
Aftermath and Moving Forward
The father-of-three acknowledged that the rules seemed to change around 2018. He said he now understands why contestants might have hesitated to challenge his conduct, fearing it could jeopardise their chances on the show. Wallace's co-host, John Torode, has also left the programme, with critic Grace Dent stepping in as a replacement.
Wallace concluded by stating he is working to move on with his life following the investigation and his dismissal. His apology, shared widely on 13 January 2026, marks his first detailed public response since losing his role on the iconic BBC series.
