Moment Victoria Derbyshire recoils as Gregg Wallace’s ghostwriter reveals stomach churning Eton Mess sex comment to her
It comes as Gregg faces allegations of misconduct from various individuals
VICTORIA Derbyshire looked visibly horrified as Gregg Wallace’s ghostwriter revealed a stomach churning Eton Mess sex comment to her.
Shannon Kyle worked on the MasterChef star’s 2012 memoir Life on a Plate.
Speaking to Victoria on Newsnight, she accused the former greengrocer of sexually harassing her and making sexually inappropriate comments.
The ghostwriter recalled having dessert after sharing dinner with Gregg on one occasion.
Shannon claimed the presenter said to her as she ate: “What would you think if I put some of the Eton Mess you’re eating on my willy, then?”
In the studio, a shocked Victoria asked: “So how did you react when he said those things?”
Shannon explained: “I mean, when he asked about the Eton Mess, I actually said ‘I think you’d look pretty stupid’.
“What I really wanted to do was just push the Eton Mess across the table and let it land on his lap and walk out and never see him again.”
She added: “I’ve never come across this before because this is sexual harassment almost of a different genre.”
The lawyer representing Gregg told the BBC: “Our client has denied that he has engaged in any such behaviour and he specifically denies any misconduct with Ms Kyle.”
It comes as multiple allegations of misconduct against Gregg have emerged from various individuals over the past 17 years.
The Sun revealed how the 60-year-old previously came under fire after “inappropriate sexual comments” were reportedly made to female staffer on Impossible Celebrities.
Among the complainants is Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, who claimed he told “sexualised jokes” during Celebrity Masterchef filming in 2011.
The broadcaster told how she feels strong that the comments were “really, really in the wrong place.”
Gregg has denied the allegations, with his lawyer stating: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
Meanwhile, BBC have pulled both of the planned MasterChef Christmas specials.
One festive instalment would have featured past Celebrity MasterChef stars Max George, Shazia Mirza, Lucas Bish and Amy Walsh.
While the other, a Strictly-themed special, starred pro dancers Nancy Xu, Kai Widdrington, Amy Dowden and Gorka Marquez.
A BBC spokesperson said: “As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the chefs taking part and the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals is continuing as planned.
“The celebrity Christmas specials are obviously a different type of show and in the current circumstances we have decided not to broadcast them.”
Gregg Wallace - MasterChef scandal in Brief
GREGG Wallace has stepped down from his MasterChef hosting role after a probe into alleged inappropriate behaviour. But what's the situation?
Regular MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is currently the subject of a probe after an investigation was launched into his alleged misconduct over a number of years.
Gregg has been accused of making sexual remarks to 13 colleagues including Beeb anchor Kirsty Wark – accusations he denies.
The 60-year-old has now stepped away from the BBC show while historical misconduct allegations against him are investigated.
Yet the former greengrocer spoke out on social media to blast the “women of a certain age” who he claimed were behind the allegations.
The cooking show’s production company, Banijay UK, has said law firm Lewis Silkin would lead the investigation into Wallace’s alleged misconduct.
