John Torode’s Rare Insights About Gregg Wallace Amid Scandal
The partnership of John Torode and Gregg Wallace has been a staple of British television for years, but recent events surrounding Wallace have cast a new light on their dynamic. Wallace, the co-host of MasterChef and its celebrity spin-offs, is now at the center of controversy following allegations of inappropriate behavior spanning 17 years. While Wallace has spoken out, Torode has remained notably silent—a silence that is making some revisit his rare comments about their working relationship.
Allegations Rock the MasterChef World
On Thursday (28 November), the news broke that Gregg Wallace had stepped down as host of the BBC’s beloved cookery show amid an ongoing investigation. Allegations include inappropriate comments and behavior that reportedly impacted several individuals over the years. Some stars who appeared on Celebrity MasterChef, including journalist Kirsty Wark and reality TV personality Charlotte Crosby, have voiced their discomfort with remarks allegedly made by Wallace during filming. Comedian Katy Brand also shared her experience, labeling one comment she received from Wallace as “crass.”
Wallace addressed the situation in a video, saying, “I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn’t right.” His statement has drawn mixed reactions, with many criticizing his dismissal of the allegations.
John Torode: A Partner but Not a Friend?
John Torode, who has co-hosted MasterChef with Wallace since its 2005 revamp, has so far refrained from commenting on the allegations. However, Torode’s past remarks about their relationship suggest there’s more distance between the two than viewers might expect.
In a 2017 interview with The Mirror, Torode revealed, “It’s funny, we’ve never been friends. We’ve not been to each other’s houses. If we go away to somewhere like South Africa, we do things separately. If we do go out for a drink, I’ll invariably be at one end of a big old table, and he’ll be at the other.”
Despite this admission, Torode was the best man at Wallace’s 2016 wedding to Anne-Marie Sterpini. Wallace, in turn, offered a more heartfelt take on their partnership during an episode of Lorraine, saying, “I film with John six or seven months of the year, so we are very close to each other physically, and emotionally we are very close to each other. What’s great about having a partnership is that if one of you is a bit off, a bit down, the other one naturally steps up, so I rely on John a lot.”
Former Contestants Weigh In
The allegations against Wallace have prompted former contestants to share their observations about the hosts’ dynamic. Aggie McKenzie, a previous participant on Celebrity MasterChef, claimed that Torode and Wallace’s off-camera behavior differed significantly. Speaking to Times Radio, McKenzie said, “I observed that when the cameras were off, they would go to separate ends of the room. They didn’t really communicate or have a connection off screen.”
This observation adds a layer of intrigue to Torode’s decision to remain silent amid the controversy. Could this professional distance reflect deeper issues in their working relationship, or is it simply a case of different personalities?
BBC’s Response and the Allegations
The BBC, known for its robust approach to handling complaints, issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to high standards. “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and have robust processes in place to deal with them,” the statement read. “Any behavior which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.”
A letter sent to Wallace’s representatives earlier in the week outlined allegations from 13 individuals who worked with him over 17 years. These claims reportedly span multiple productions. Wallace’s legal team has vehemently denied the allegations, stating they are “entirely false” and asserting that Wallace does not engage in sexually inappropriate behavior.
This isn’t the first time Wallace has faced such accusations. In October, reports surfaced alleging that he made inappropriate comments to a female colleague at the BBC in 2018. The claims also included Wallace allegedly removing his shirt in front of the employee and making boastful remarks about his sex life with his wife. Wallace denied these allegations, stating in an Instagram video that they had been previously investigated and dismissed by the BBC.
The Bigger Picture
This controversy comes as Wallace faces scrutiny not only for his alleged behavior but also for his response to the accusations. His dismissal of the claims as coming from a “handful of middle-class women” has sparked further backlash, with critics calling it an attempt to trivialize serious concerns.
Meanwhile, the spotlight on Torode’s past comments offers a unique perspective on their professional relationship. While Wallace has often spoken warmly about Torode, describing their partnership as emotionally supportive, Torode’s remarks about their lack of personal connection suggest a more pragmatic view of their collaboration.
What’s Next for MasterChef?
The BBC’s next steps remain to be seen, but the allegations against Wallace have undoubtedly left a mark on the MasterChef brand. As the investigation unfolds, fans of the show and its spin-offs are left wondering how this will affect its future—and whether Torode will eventually break his silence to share his thoughts on the matter.
The story of Gregg Wallace and John Torode is a fascinating one, blending professional success with underlying tensions and, now, a major scandal. As Wallace fights to defend his reputation, Torode’s reticence speaks volumes. Whether this marks the end of an era for MasterChef or simply a bump in the road remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this is a story that’s far from over.
Login