MasterChef presenter John Torode has said he has found the recent reports about co-host Gregg Wallace “truly upsetting”.
In his first comments since the allegations surfaced, Torode said he would continue to be part of the programme, adding: “The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear.”
Wallace is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour from more than a dozen people across a range of shows over a 17-year period. His lawyers have said it’s “entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Torode said he had been away filming MasterChef overseas since last Friday, shortly after the allegations were made public.
“I love my job, and I love MasterChef,” he said. “I love being part of it and will continue to be part of it.
“During the last few days, I’ve been trying to make the best cookery programme, so being busy making the show and caring for our contestants has allowed me little time to think about anything else, but that has been hard.”
Torode said he “fully” supports the current investigation into Wallace’s alleged behaviour, but could not comment further while it is ongoing.
“I hope that you all understand and respect my silence on the matter moving forward,” he added.
On Tuesday, the BBC confirmed it was removing two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials from the schedule. However, the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster said it took the decision as the series can be “life-changing” for the chefs taking part, but the “Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show”.
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