MasterChef presenter John Torode has stated he has discovered the latest reviews about co-host Gregg Wallace “truly upsetting”.
The pair have introduced the BBC One cooking present collectively for nearly 20 years, since 2005.
In his first feedback for the reason that allegations surfaced, Torode stated he would proceed to be a part of the programme, including: “The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear, and I have found the recent press reports truly upsetting.”
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MasterChef Christmas specials have been pulled from the schedule. Pic: Yui Mok/PA
In a press release posted on Instagram, Torode stated he had been away filming MasterChef abroad since final Friday, shortly after the allegations had been made public.
“I love my job, and I love MasterChef,” he stated. “I love being part of it and will continue to be part of it.
“Throughout the previous couple of days, I have been attempting to make the very best cookery programme, so being busy making the present and caring for our contestants has allowed me little time to consider the rest, however that has been arduous.”
Torode said he “totally” supports the current investigation into Wallace’s alleged behaviour, but could not comment further while it is ongoing.
“I hope that you simply all perceive and respect my silence on the matter shifting ahead,” he added.
Torode rose to TV fame within the mid-Nineties because the resident chef on ITV’s This Morning and joined the revamped model of MasterChef when it launched in 2005. The present following the unique sequence, which was hosted by Lloyd Grossman from 1990 to 2001.
On Tuesday, the BBC confirmed it was eradicating two MasterChef superstar Christmas specials from the schedule following the allegations about Wallace. Nonetheless, the present sequence of MasterChef: The Professionals is airing as deliberate.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster stated it took the choice because the sequence could be “life-changing” for the cooks participating, however the “Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show”.
Wallace has briefly stepped down from the cooking present whereas historic misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by producers Banijay UK.
The BBC has additionally pulled three repeat episodes of Inside The Manufacturing facility from the Christmas schedule.
Extra allegations have surfaced towards the presenter this week – with two ladies claiming he had inappropriately touched them.
One informed the BBC he “groped” her backside, whereas one other alleged he laughed after touching her backside “with his waist and penis” when brushing previous her. A 3rd claimed Wallace’s penis was partially uncovered in his dressing room in what she felt was a “power play”.
The Guardian additionally reported a criticism that he as soon as requested an indication language interpreter to translate “big boobs” and “sexy bum” in entrance of the viewers on the BBC Good Meals Present.
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‘If it’s simply banter then why am I crying in the bathroom?’
One other described the allegations because the “tip of the iceberg” in terms of the present – claiming he witnessed a “toxic environment” on set and the issue was “larger” than simply the presenter.
On the weekend, he shared a video dismissing the preliminary claims, placing them right down to “middle-class women of a certain age”.
He later posted one other clip apologising for the remarks.
