Gregg Wallace posts bizarre new Instagram message as slew of fresh allegations against MasterChef host emerge

GREGG Wallace has posted a cryptic photo on Instagram in the wake of fresh allegations against him.

Last night, the former MasterChef host was accused of groping three different women with his career already hanging by a thread after an investigation was launched into his alleged misconduct over a number of years.

Wallace has since posted a picture of a gingerbread man in what appears to be whipped cream.

His bizarre Instagram story was accompanied by the words “enjoy your weekend”.

It comes after Wallace stepped down from his MasterChef judging role after a probe was launched into alleged “sexual comments”.

The BBC revealed 13 people, including Newsnight host Kirsty Walk, accused him of “inappropriate behaviour” over a 17-year period across five shows, from 2005 to 2022 – allegations Wallace denies.

It comes as…

• Gregg Wallace has stepped down from MasterChef
• Star faces probe after allegedly making sexual remarks to 13 colleagues
• BBC Newsnight presenter and 2011 contestant Kirsty Wark says Wallace told ‘sexualised’ jokes while filming
• Wallace is accused of groping three women in fresh allegations
• Gregg accused of talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a young staffer and telling another he wasn’t wearing any pants
• Previous MasterChef episodes presented by scandal-hit Gregg still on iPlayer
• MasterChef star Aasmah Mir shares cryptic ‘always keep your receipts’ post
• BBC will still air two Masterchef festive specials this Christmas – despite both being fronted by Gregg Wallace
• Gregg breaks his silence – thanking fans for showing their support

These include claims that Gregg held a female MasterChef colleague’s head and thrust himself towards her while she was kneeling down in front of him cleaning a mark off his trousers.

He has also been accused of mimicking a sex act in front of horrified colleagues as he faces a fresh wave of allegations.

The presenter, 60, previously thanked people for “showing their support” on a video posted to his Instagram on Thursday evening.

Gregg said in an Instagram video: “I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reach out and showing their support.

“That’s good of you, thank you very much.”

Yesterday, The Sun revealed one former contestant alleged the TV star groped her while she was cooking on the set of the show as the cameras rolled.

She moved away and said he later shouted “You stupid cow” when she scalded her hand.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said she let Wallace know she was disgusted, but “had her card marked” for not seeing it as banter.

Another woman claims Wallace told her in a busy pub that she aroused him, made more lewd comments and  squeezed her bum.

In a third allegation, Celebrity MasterChef contestant Emma Kennedy yesterday claimed she had seen co-host Wallace grope a camera assistant during a photoshoot for the 2012 finalists.

And a former staffer claimed he made offensive Asian remarks on set in 2017.

The Sun first reported Wallace’s behaviour last month.

On Thursday he stepped down while allegations of misconduct are investigated, while singer Sir Rod Stewart accused him of humiliating his wife Penny on the show.

He is also accused of walking into the MasterChef studio “completely naked except for [a] sock pulled over his penis” before doing a “silly dance”, the Telegraph – who spoke to a witness of the incident – reports.

Gregg’s lawyers told the BBC it was entirely false that he had engaged in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.

Banijay UK, which makes the hit BBC cooking show, said it was carrying out “an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate”.

A spokesperson said: “While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process.

“Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.

“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”

A BBC spokesman 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.

“Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”

And a No10 spokesman said: “It’s right a thorough investigation is conducted.”