Gregg Wallace will step away from MasterChef. (Image: PA)
will step away from presenting while complaints made to the from individuals about historical allegations of misconduct are investigated, the shows production company Banijay UK said.
The company says Gregg, 60, “is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process”.
A statement from Banijay UK said: “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.
“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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Complaints made about Gregg Wallace will be investigated. (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.”
The spokesperson added: “Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.
“If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakupbanijayuk.com in confidence.”
The said it takes any issues that are raised “seriously” and won’t tolerate unacceptable behaviour.
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.”
The broadcaster has co-presented MasterChef alongside John Torode since 2005, as well as its spin-offs Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals.
It is understood that recorded episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals featuring Wallace will be transmitted as planned, with the next episode due to air on Thursday.