TV chef Rick Stein has spoken out about the recent scandal involving *MasterChef* presenter Gregg Wallace,
admitting he feels “a bit sorry” for him after the host was embroiled in allegations of misconduct.
Wallace, known for his role on *MasterChef* and *Celebrity MasterChef*, is currently facing an investigation by Banijay UK following complaints of inappropriate behavior on set.
Stein, who has had a long and successful career in the culinary world, commented on the situation during an interview with *The Telegraph*.
At 78 years old, Stein expressed his sympathy for Wallace, describing the situation as “unfortunate.”
He acknowledged that being embroiled in such allegations could be “terribly” difficult to handle, particularly given the intense scrutiny public figures often face.
“I think it would affect me terribly,” Stein said, clarifying that he personally had “no skeletons in the cupboard.” He further added, “It’s sort of unfortunate if you are that sort of person that you can come a bit unstuck,” referencing the style of personality Wallace has become known for. Stein suggested that Wallace’s behavior was more a result of not adapting to current social norms than an indication of malice. He explained, “I think partly he hadn’t really taken on that you can’t say certain things now. It’s not so much that he was a nasty person.”
In his own experience, Stein said he’s fortunate that his sons are quick to point out when something he says might be deemed politically incorrect. “They’ll instantly tell me if I say something wrong,” he shared. “And if you don’t pick up on that, the fact that things change, well that’s not very clever.” Stein reflected on how times have changed, noting that people must adapt to these shifts. “Sometimes you think, ‘I can’t believe this,’ and then you think, ‘well, that’s the way it is.’ There’s no point in getting all stroppy about it,” he added.
Despite expressing sympathy for Wallace, Stein clarified that he does not condone inappropriate behavior and made it clear that he does not tolerate “sleaziness.” He further elaborated on the situation, explaining that Wallace likely did not fully grasp the importance of adjusting his behavior to align with current sensitivities. “I feel a bit sorry for him really,” Stein concluded. “But he just didn’t realise that the wind had changed.”
The scandal surrounding Wallace took a public turn when Penny Lancaster, wife of British rock star Rod Stewart, became one of the prominent figures to speak out about her experience with the TV presenter. Lancaster, who appeared on *Celebrity MasterChef*, claimed that Wallace had used his position of power to intimidate and distress people on set. She went on to describe his behavior as bullying, and she suggested that the production team allowed him to get away with it.
The controversy intensified when Wallace responded to the claims with a social media post that suggested the allegations against him came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age.” His comment was widely criticized as inappropriate and misogynistic. Wallace later issued an apology, admitting that he had been in a bad mental state when he posted the message. He acknowledged the harm caused by his words and expressed regret for any offense.
“I wasn’t in a good headspace when I posted it,” Wallace wrote in an Instagram story. “I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege, yesterday, when I posted it.” He concluded by apologizing for any upset caused and announced that he would be stepping back from his presenting duties while the investigation was ongoing.
Following the allegations, the BBC made a statement expressing its commitment to maintaining a respectful, inclusive environment. In December 2024, two *MasterChef* celebrity Christmas specials were pulled from the schedule. The BBC emphasized that it does not tolerate behavior that falls below its standards, and that they would be fully supporting the investigation led by Banijay UK.
As the investigation continues, food critic Grace Dent has been announced as a new judge on *Celebrity MasterChef*, alongside Wallace’s long-time co-host, John Torode. This marks a shift in the *MasterChef* lineup, which has faced considerable controversy amid the ongoing scandal.
The investigation into Wallace’s behavior remains ongoing, with Banijay UK confirming that it has strengthened its welfare processes for both crew and contributors on *MasterChef* sets. The company stressed that there are multiple ways for individuals to report concerns, including anonymously, with a point of contact available for any issues that arise.
While the allegations against Wallace have cast a shadow over his career, public figures like Rick Stein continue to express their support, while also acknowledging the need for individuals in the public eye to adapt to changing social norms and expectations. The resolution of this issue will likely be closely watched by fans and industry professionals alike.
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