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Former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is taking the BBC to the High Court as he launches a legal battle against the broadcaster over what he claims is a data protection breach. The move comes in the wake of his recent dismissal from the long-running cooking competition after more than two decades at the helm.
Wallace, who had presented the series alongside John Torode for 21 years, was axed earlier this year following an investigation into misconduct allegations. Production company Banijay UK carried out a wide-ranging inquiry into his behaviour, and of the 83 claims made against him, 45 were upheld. The findings ultimately led to both Wallace and Torode being removed from the show, a decision that stunned fans who had grown accustomed to their double act as the faces of MasterChef.
At the time of his departure, Wallace admitted that some of his humour may have been “inappropriate” but insisted that he had been unfairly portrayed. In a strongly worded social media post, he declared: “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.” He went on to describe many of the claims as “baseless and sensationalised” and vowed to fight for his reputation.
His next step appears to be a lawsuit alleging that the BBC mishandled sensitive information. Reports suggest Wallace is seeking access to hundreds of pages of confidential documents which he believes may help him challenge the case against him and clear his name. Legal sources indicate the claim centres on data protection breaches, though precise details of what information may have been misused or improperly stored have not been made public.
The situation adds yet another layer of controversy to what has already been a highly public fall from grace. MasterChef has been one of the BBC’s flagship entertainment programmes since its revival in the early 2000s, with Wallace and Torode becoming synonymous with its success. Their departure left a major gap in the show’s identity, with many long-time viewers expressing disappointment at how abruptly their tenure ended.
John Torode, Gregg Wallace’s co-star on MasterChef, was also removed from the show – Credit: BBC
For Wallace, the legal fight could become a defining moment. If the High Court agrees to release the documents he has requested, it may provide him with an opportunity to challenge the misconduct findings more directly. However, it could also expose the broadcaster and production team to further scrutiny about how the investigation was handled.
The BBC, for now, is keeping quiet. In a statement to BBC News, a spokesperson said: “We have not been formally notified of any legal proceedings so at this stage we are unable to comment.” That silence is unlikely to last long if Wallace’s lawyers proceed with the case in the coming weeks.
For the millions of MasterChef fans who watched Wallace guide amateur cooks through pressure tests, eliminations, and finals for over 20 years, the unfolding drama may feel worlds away from the comforting food show they once tuned into. But as the case develops, it could become one of the most high-profile showbiz legal battles of the year, with the outcome shaping Wallace’s future, both in the media and in the public eye.
