MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace recreates legendary American Beauty scene as he strips off in bed of roses

TV presenter Gregg Wallace has recreated the legendary scene from hit Oscar winning film American Beauty – as he stripped off in a bed of roses.

Surrounded by hundreds of petals, Gregg, 59, is photographed ahead of spreading the love this Valentine’s Day – by giving red roses away for free.

Gregg’s tongue-in-cheek photoshoot came as a study of 2,000 adults found 75 per cent feel the cost of courtship these days has sky-rocketed due to inflation.

Gregg, who is married to Anne-Marie Sterpini and has grown up children Tom and Libby, and youngest son Sid who he welcomed with in 2019, said he’s wants to celebrate the people he loves.

Researchers also found Valentine’s Day is nearly £100 more expensive than it was 10 years ago.

SMARTY Mobile, which commissioned the research, has joined forces with TV star Gregg Wallace to give away red roses to would-be romantics at Observation Point on Southbank at the Cost of Loving pop-up, from 12pm to 3pm on 11th February.

Gregg shared: “I’m a huge romantic and I take any opportunity to celebrate the people I love.

“A token of love is hugely important and no one should get ripped off on an occasion like Valentine’s Day.

“So I’m thrilled to be helping SMARTY Mobile tackle the cost of loving with free roses this weekend.”

Since a bouquet of flowers, meal for two, card, bottle of perfume and a box of chocolates would have set you back a total of £199 back then – now consumers can expect to fork out £281.

The research showed 90 per cent who are either in a relationship or currently dating, say prices for romantic gifts and treats like a night out, a bouquet of roses or just a box of chocolates have all risen.

And 72 per cent reckon these gift prices also surge right before Valentine’s Day – a passion killer that drains bank balances.

When it comes to prices on gift items surging, just before Valentine’s Day, 76 per cent say it makes them feel fed up and 47 per cent agree the cost of roses is likely to put them off buying them at that time.

Researchers discovered a dozen red roses via Interflora cost £44.99 a decade ago – but now they sell for £66.

A heart shaped box of Thornton’s Continental chocolates went for £19.99 in 2014, but the same box currently retails at £30 – and has shrunk in weight from 570g to 517g, indicating less chocolates for your money inside.

And a 100ml bottle of Chanel No. 5 eau de parfum cost £92.10 years ago, but now costs £123.

A personalised ‘me to you’ Valentine’s Card, via Funkypigeon, started at £1.99 a decade past, but the equivalent now starts from £3.89 – both before postage.

And a three-course meal for two with a glass of prosecco each on Valentine’s Day at Pizza Express now comes to £57.80 – having cost £39.90 in 2014.

Nearly half of those polled (48 per cent) won’t be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year.

But those that are will be spending time with their loved ones, sending a card or going out for dinner – spending an average of £48, an investment which 24 per cent say is more than they spent last year.

Gen Z – those born after 1996 – are the thriftiest lovers of all with 45 per cent putting money aside especially for Valentine’s Day.

And 63 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, said they think businesses should keep the price of goods and services the same all year round.

Sayed Hajamaideen, head of brand and marketing from SMARTY mobile, which is committed to no annual price rises, said: “These days the ‘cost of loving’ seems to be higher than ever.

“Connecting with loved ones – through roses, a card, or even a phone call – shouldn’t cost extra just because it’s Valentine’s Day.

“Prices of many things these days have gone up, but when the cost of gifts, like flowers, spikes right before the most romantic day of the year – it takes the excitement and joy out of it.”