Charlotte Crosby has joined a number of people who have spoken out against 60-year-old Gregg Wallace. It comes after Gregg stepped away from MasterChef after 13 people accused him of "wrong" and inappropriate "sexualised" behaviour during filming for the BBC reality series.
Charlotte, 34, who was part of Celebrity MasterChef earlier this year, shared her own allegation about Gregg on Instagram last night. She penned: "He [Gregg] was extremely unpleasant to me when I was on MasterChef." Charlotte previously revealed she was reduced to tears while filming for Celebrity MasterChef during an appearance on The One Show.
While there was no mention of Gregg, the TV star said: "There's something about that space and that studio you feel like a little kid again. "It's horrible, all the lights are on you. The pressure - it's terrifying. There was a lot of emotion!"
Gregg has previously denied making sexual comments towards females after it was reported he was investigated over remarks made while filming the show Impossible Celebrities six years ago.
Yesterday, it was announced that Gregg would be stepping down from his role of co-hosting MasterChef, and the presenter took to social media to address his followers last night.
Filming from his home, Gregg said: “I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support. That’s good of you. Thank you very much.”
Following historical accusations of misconduct, the TV company Banijay UK, which makes the BBC series, is now investigating him.
Banijay UK said in a statement the complaints have been made to the BBC rather than directly to the production company. A spokesperson added: "This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.
"Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate."
A BBC spokesperson added: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated."
Meanwhile, a Downing Street spokesperson said: “The allegations made are deeply concerning regarding today’s reporting. It’s right that a thorough investigation is conducted, but this of course is one for the BBC and you will have seen their statement saying that they ‘take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place’.
"While that process is underway it wouldn’t be right for me to comment. I believe the BBC is currently undertaking a workplace culture review to deliver clear and timely recommendations, and it’s essential that staff and the wider public have confidence that the BBC takes these issues seriously.”
BBC News lawyers have said: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature."
