Gregg Wallace has stood by his cheeky jokes while expressing regret for his behavior on MasterChef. He admitted to being “foolish, defensive, and overconfident” after being removed from the show.
Wallace acknowledged that several jokes on the program had a ‘sexual’ undertone, such as references to ‘spotted dick, nuts, the rim of a glass, little tarts’, but argued that food naturally lends itself to innuendo. He pointed to Channel 4’s Bake Off as an example of similar humor.
He clarified that he never intended to make anyone uncomfortable and now understands why contestants may have been reluctant to challenge his behavior, fearing it could impact their chances of winning. Wallace also admitted his mistake in labeling those who raised concerns about his behavior as “middle-class women of a certain age.”
Reflecting on his actions, Wallace admitted to feeling cornered and acknowledged that his response was hurtful and incorrect. He expressed confusion over his downfall and questioned the standards that led to his dismissal.
Wallace claimed that the show’s producers encouraged a lively atmosphere, where his role was to put contestants at ease through his energetic approach.
Addressing the controversy, Wallace emphasized that he believed his jokes were well-received and in line with the show’s culture. He noted that no one had ever reprimanded him for his behavior and that the environment fostered such banter.
The former BBC presenter shared that he had transitioned into a personal trainer role and now shares healthy recipes on social media platforms like TikTok. In a statement, he downplayed the severity of the allegations against him and highlighted specific incidents that he believed were misinterpreted.
Wallace also disclosed changes in the program’s guidelines in 2018, resulting in a formal warning for his language and conduct. He expressed surprise at the sudden shift in perception towards his behavior.
Despite the controversy, Wallace maintained that the humor on set was similar to other programs like The Great British Bake Off. He admitted that the jokes often had a sexual tone but stressed that he was part of a collective culture that embraced such humor.
In conclusion, Wallace apologized for any discomfort he caused and accepted responsibility for his actions, acknowledging his failure to recognize potential issues with his behavior. He questioned the clarity of the standards by which he was judged.
The article also mentions that Wallace’s MasterChef co-host, John Torode, faced repercussions for using a racially offensive term during filming, although he claimed no recollection of the incident.