John Torode has broken his silence following the allegations against his MasterChef co-star Gregg Wallace.
Wallace, 60, has stepped back from the BBC programme while an investigation is underway, with several accusations having been made against him.
He has been accused of making ‘inappropriate sexual jokes’ and lewd comments on set, asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of and standing ‘too close’ to women working on his shows.
Further allegations claim he groped three people in different incidents, that he ‘mimicked sex acts’ and walked around the studio almost ‘completely naked’, with more than 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year-period making complaints.
The MasterChef Christmas special has been pulled amid the ongoing investigation, and it’s been claimed Wallace was ‘furious’ and unfollowed Torode after he remained silent on the accusations.
Stay updated with our latest Gregg Wallace stories here:
Torode, 59, has now released a statement saying he ‘will continue’ to be a part of MasterChef.
He said: ‘Since last Friday I have been away filming MasterChef overseas. I love my job, and I love MasterChef. 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.’
He added: ‘But as I hope everyone appreciates there is an investigation underway, which I fully support, so I cannot make any further comment at this stage and I hope that you all understand and respect my silence on the matter moving forward.’
On Tuesday, the BBC announced that two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials, a Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza, have been pulled from its festive schedule.
The BBC 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.’
On Tuesday night Wallace faced fresh allegations with BBC News reporting that one woman said he touched her bottom after an event and another said he pressed his crotch against her while filming on a different show.
His lawyers have previously strongly denied ‘he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature’, according to BBC News.
The likes of Ulrika Jonsson and Kirstie Allsopp have spoken out, with more stars stepping forward, and after Wallace – who has fiercely denied the allegations – faced further backlash for claiming they come from ‘middle-class women of a certain age’, he issued an apology and said he’s taking some time away from social media.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Gregg Wallace may be a creep but is he a misogynist? Readers discuss
MORE: Jack Whitehall leaves BBC presenters speechless at Gregg Wallace jab
MORE: Sir Keir Starmer blasts Gregg Wallace for ‘completely inappropriate and misogynistic’ comments