Gregg Wallace recently stepped down from his role as the host of MasterChef, following allegations of inappropriate behaviour, but he was involved in a very different world before he found fame
MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has previously opened up about his turbulent younger years, which included run-ins with the law as a self-proclaimed football “hooligan”. The TV personality, who recently quit the BBC show amid a probe into historical misconduct allegations, was a devoted Millwall fan and was once arrested for assault.
In a 2008 interview with Zoo magazine, Wallace recounted his experiences with the south London football club, notorious for its “fierce reputation”. He revealed: “I was brought up in Peckham and went to Millwall regularly. Some of my friends from school grew up to be hooligans. Millwall had a fierce reputation at the time, which was well deserved. They had a large percentage of people that were able to cause havoc!
“I got arrested for assault when I was 20…but my Millwall days are long behind me.”
Reflecting on his past, he added: “I was a product of my area. Police were making hundreds of arrests at every home game back then. Getting nicked was like a social pastime!”
Wallace quit the BBC show after serious allegations emerged alleging that he made inappropriate sexual comments towards 13 individuals over a period of 17 years across various shows.
Among those who have filed complaints with BBC News is former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark. She alleges that during her time on Celebrity MasterChef in 2011, Wallace made jokes of a “sexualised nature”.
The TV personality’s legal representatives have responded, stating “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”. It was revealed earlier on Thursday that Wallace is “committed to fully co-operating” with an external investigation by MasterChef’s production company, Banijay UK.
A statement released read: “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.”
“While this review is ongoing, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process.”
Banijay UK has emphasised its dedication to its workforce, stating: “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.”
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