Gregg Wallace has stepped down from Masterchef after facing a series of allegations about his conduct (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Comedian Dom Joly has sparked controversy with a quip about amidst the host’s current scandal involving allegations of “inappropriate sexual jokes” and other behavioural complaints. Wallace’s legal representative has firmly stated: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.
Amidst the turmoil, it was revealed last week that while an external investigation into the accusations is conducted. Despite the ongoing review, Wallace was still seen on television this week as MasterChef: The Professionals aired as scheduled.
However, the has since decided to cancel two MasterChef Christmas specials and remove three repeat episodes of Inside the Factory from Two’s lineup. In light of these developments, Dom Joly took to social media platform X and made a provocative comment: “Ok…then f**k it, since you’ll never see it. I can let you know. I won the whole thing and made the best dishes ever tasted on the show.
Dom Joly couldn’t resist sticking the knife in (Image: domjoly/Twitter)
“Gregg Wallace said, and I quote- ‘this quiche is so tasty that I’m going to pull its pants down and roger it senseless right now’.”
The joke split opinions among fans; some chuckled, while others condemned it as inappropriate. One viewer remarked: “It’s because of this type of comment that they are pulling him off.”
Another expressed outrage: “Sadly you’ve ended up being as bad as the rest of the wronguns. Shame on you for making light of Women being uncomfortable around men like you and Wallace.”, reports the Mirror.
A third person commented: “Jesus. You’re like the woefully unfunny, pub bore that everyone avoids.” Yet another added dryly: “Not even remotely funny.”
Despite the mixed reactions, numerous followers responded with laughter emojis, calling the quip “hilarious”.
The had previously revealed its holiday lineup, including a Celebrity MasterChef Cook Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza, both set to be hour-long specials on One and iPlayer.
Addressing the controversy, a spokesperson stated: “As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned. The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them.”
‘s Amy Walsh, comedian Shazia Mirza, Love Island’s Luca Bish, and The Wanted’s Max George, who all took part in Celebrity MasterChef last year, are set to return for the Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off. The had previously revealed that the -themed special would feature professional dancers including Amy Dowden, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington, and Nancy Xu.
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Meanwhile, Wallace is embroiled in controversy with allegations from 13 individuals spanning various shows over a period of 17 years. Following the backlash, he issued an apology on Monday for his earlier comments where he dismissed complaints about his behaviour as coming from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”, and stated he will now “take some time out”.