Former host Kirsty Wark is among 13 people who have accused MasterChef presenter of making inappropriate sexual comments, News reported.
Wallace, 60, has denied making comments of a sexual nature.
Wark, who was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011, has claimed he told “sexualised” jokes during filming of the show. Speaking to she said there were two occasions where Wallace told stories and jokes of a “sexualised nature” in front of contestants and crew. Both incidents are alleged to have happened during early morning filming. The broadcaster said she feels strongly that the comments were “really, really in the wrong place”.
The former Newsnight host, who earlier this year stepped down from her role on the flagship news programme after three decades, is one of 13 people who have told the about inappropriate sexual comments made by Wallace across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
News has reported other allegations, included the presenter “talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to ‘give her a fashion show’, and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans”.
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Kirsty Wark has accused Gregg Wallace of inappropriate comments (Image: Getty)
It was announced today that while the historical complaints made about him are investigated.
The show’s production company Banijay UK issued a statement which said Wallace “is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process”.
“This week the received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows,” it read.
“Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.
“While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process.
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Gregg Wallace has stepped down from presenting MasterChef (Image: Getty)
“Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.
“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”
A spokesperson said: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the will not be tolerated.
“Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”
Recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Wallace will transmit as planned with the next episode due to air on Thursday.