Wallace sues BBC - demands secret files to clear his name

Gregg Wallace has taken legal action against the BBC and BBC Studios (Yui Mok/PA) Yui Mok

Gregg Wallace has filed a High Court legal claim against the BBC following his dismissal as co-presenter of MasterChef over misconduct allegations. Court records show the case was filed on Friday against both the BBC and BBC Studios, with the case type listed as "data protection".

The former TV host was sacked in July after an investigation into historical allegations upheld multiple accusations against him. Wallace had co-presented the cooking show since 2005 before stepping away in November 2024 while the misconduct probe was conducted.

According to The Sun, which first reported the legal action, Wallace wants hundreds of pages of confidential documents published because he believes they will help clear his name. No further details or documents for the legal action are publicly available, and the BBC has been approached for comment.

Investigation findings

The Lewis Silkin review upheld 45 of the 83 allegations against Wallace during a seven-month investigation period. The report found that the "majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018", with only one allegation substantiated after 2018.

The investigation concluded that the "majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour". A smaller number of allegations concerning "other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated", along with one allegation of "unwelcome physical contact".

During the investigation, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The report noted that findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity.

Wallace's response

Wallace issued an apology following the investigation results, saying he was "deeply sorry for any distress caused" and that he "never set out to harm or humiliate". In a statement to PA, he said: "For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait."

He maintained that "none of the serious allegations against me were upheld" but acknowledged accepting "a difference in perception" regarding the unwanted touching allegation. Wallace also criticised the BBC, stating: "There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people."

Impact on MasterChef

The investigation also led to the dismissal of Wallace's former co-host John Torode over an allegation of using racist language that was upheld. Torode confirmed he was the subject of the allegation "for the sake of transparency" but said he had "no recollection of the incident" and was "shocked and saddened" by the accusation.

The BBC confirmed the latest series of MasterChef, filmed before the allegations were upheld, would still be broadcast despite it not being "an easy decision in the circumstances". Two contestants have been edited out of the series, which began airing last month.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.