MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has broken his silence after quitting the show amid an investigation into alleged misconduct.
Wallace left the BBC series due to historical misconduct allegations with producers since issuing a statement on the matter.
Banijay UK, the production company behind the TV show, said: "This week the BBC 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.
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“While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process.
“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.”
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It added: "If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact [email protected] in confidence."
Wallace has since taken to social media, thanking those that have reached out to 'show their support'.
Taking to Instagram this evening (28 November), the presenter said: "I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support.
"That's good of you. Thank you very much."
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The BBC confirmed today that 13 individuals, including broadcaster Kirsty Wark, have made allegations against Wallace.
The 13 people in question had worked with Wallace on a range of different TV shows spanning a 17-year period.
Wark appeared on MasterChef in 2011 and alleged to the BBC that Wallace had made 'sexualised' jokes during filming, which she said were 'really, really in the wrong place.'
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Wallace's lawyers have stated to the BBC that the allegations are completely false.
LADbible Group has previously reached out to the BBC, Gregg Wallace and Banijay UK for comment.
Topics: Celebrity, Food and Drink, TV And Film, UK News, BBC
Rhiannon Ingle