Television presenter Gregg Wallace has announced his decision to step away from hosting MasterChef while an external review is conducted into historical allegations of misconduct. 

The 60-year-old TV personality, known for his energetic presenting style and memorable on-screen remarks, 

has been the subject of multiple complaints regarding alleged inappropriate behavior.

Allegations Under Scrutiny

Wallace has faced scrutiny over past incidents, including accusations from 2018 when he was alleged to have made inappropriate comments to a female colleague at the BBC. 

More recently, in 2023, he was forced to step down from presenting Inside the Factory after allegations of inappropriate remarks directed at female staff members. 

Wallace has denied any wrongdoing in these cases.

In another claim, former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark alleged that Wallace made sexually suggestive jokes while she competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011. Wallace has responded to these allegations, asserting that he has never engaged in flirting or inappropriate behavior outside his marriage. He publicly stated his commitment to his wife, Anne-Marie Sterpini, and expressed frustration over what he views as unfair insinuations.

Wallace’s Response to Allegations

Wallace has been vocal in his defense, dismissing claims that he behaved inappropriately. In a social media post from October, he emphasized his loyalty to his wife, Anne-Marie, whom he has been with for over a decade. He insisted that there has been no accusation of flirting and maintained that his interactions with colleagues were never of a sexual nature.

His legal representatives have also denied the allegations, stating that the claims made against him are untrue. Despite his firm denials, the ongoing investigation has led to his decision to step back from MasterChef while the review takes place.

A Complex Personal Life

Beyond his television career, Wallace has had a complicated romantic history, having been married four times. He met his current wife, Anne-Marie, in 2013 through a social media interaction when she asked him about his use of rhubarb in cooking. Their online exchange soon led to a real-life romance, and the couple got engaged in 2014 before tying the knot at Hever Castle, Kent. Wallace’s MasterChef co-host, John Torode, served as his best man.

The couple shares a son, Sid, who was born in 2019 and has autism. Wallace has been open about the challenges and joys of raising a neurodivergent child, describing Sid as a “miracle” in their lives.

Wallace has two other children, Tom and Libby, from his second marriage to Denise Lovall, which lasted from 1999 to 2004. Lovall, who passed away in 2017, reportedly ended their marriage after allegations that Wallace had been unfaithful.

His first marriage, to Christine, was short-lived, lasting only six weeks. He later admitted that it was a rushed decision, followed by an equally quick separation. His third marriage to Heidi Brown, whom he met online in 2009, lasted only 14 months. He later described that relationship as one of the most challenging times in his life.

After multiple failed relationships, Wallace sought therapy, where he was advised that his approach to love was flawed. He admitted that he had treated relationships as a gamble, likening them to a “game of chance.” Despite these experiences, he found happiness with Anne-Marie, who was clear from the start about her desire to settle down and start a family.

Wallace’s Family Life and Dynamic with In-Laws

As part of their family arrangement, Anne-Marie’s parents moved into their £1 million home in Kent to help with raising Sid. Wallace, who is close in age to his mother-in-law, has described their bond as strong, often sharing laughs over 1970s music. He has openly spoken about how their support allows him and his wife to maintain their relationship while managing the challenges of parenting a child with additional needs.

He once revealed that Sid would sleep in his grandparents’ room several nights a week to give him and Anne-Marie some personal time. Wallace has also credited his wife’s influence for his dramatic five-stone weight loss, which he achieved through a healthier lifestyle and fitness regime.

Further Allegations and Ongoing Investigation

As more individuals have come forward, Wallace now faces allegations from 13 people who have worked with him over a 17-year period. Among the new claims, former MasterChef contestant Ulrika Jonsson accused him of making a rape-related joke that left contestants feeling distressed. Additionally, an anonymous former colleague alleged that Wallace made highly inappropriate comments about her personal life, including intrusive questions about her sexuality.

Wallace’s legal representatives continue to deny the accusations, but the growing number of claims has led to increased scrutiny. The investigation into his conduct remains ongoing, and Wallace has expressed gratitude for those who have shown him support during this time.

As the case unfolds, Wallace’s future in television remains uncertain. However, his decision to step away from MasterChef suggests that he is taking the investigation seriously. Whether he will return to the show depends on the findings of the review and how the allegations are ultimately addressed.

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