Gregg Wallace breaks silence in message to fans after stepping down from BBC MasterChef

Gregg Wallace has spoken out in a message to fans after it was revealed he was stepping down from MasterChef amid an investigation into misconduct claims. Accusations made against the star include him allegedly making inappropriate sexual comments across a range of shows over a 17-year period.

Gregg thanked fans for their support in a video on Instagram shortly before the latest episode of MasterChef The Professionals aired on BBC One on Thursday night. He said in an Instagram video: "I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reach out and showing their support.

"That's good of you, thank you very much." It comes after he stepped down from his MasterChef judging role after a probe was launched into alleged "sexual comments".

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BBC News said it had been told of other allegations, including the presenter “talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to ‘give her a fashion show’, and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans”.

Gregg's lawyers have said the claims are false but the MasterChef host has stepped away from the hit cooking series while a separate investigation is carried out.

MasterChef production company Banijay UK has launched and "immediate, external review" into the allegations. The company said: "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."