'Revolting and sickening': Gregg Wallace’s ghostwriter claims he sexually harassed her
Home Secretary warns Gregg Wallace "you should never underestimate women of a certain age," as ITV News' Amy Lewis reports
The ghostwriter who worked on Gregg Wallace's 2012 autobiography has claimed the MasterChef presenter sexually harassed her.
Speaking on BBC Newsnight, Shannon Kyle alleged Wallace touched her bottom during a television appearance while she was writing his memoir, Life On A Plate.
In another alleged incident, Ms Kyle alleged Wallace gave her “thigh a rub” every time he changed gears in his sports car.
The writer, who was 35 at the time, also claimed Wallace dropped his towel in front of her after she arrived at his home to work on the book.
In response to her accusations, Wallace’s lawyers told BBC News: “Our client has denied that he has engaged in any such behaviour, and he specifically denies any sexual misconduct with Ms Kyle.”
Her comments come as the BBC reportedly received complaints about Wallace's behaviour during his time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, according to The Sun.
It is unclear who made the complaints, but Wallace was allowed to remain on the show until he was eliminated.
Earlier this week, a video resurfaced showing Wallace's rehearsals with then-dance partner Aliona Vilani, in which he jokes about how he doesn't "wear underwear" because it is "easier to move".
Ms Vilani replies "you for real?"
Speaking about his experience on the show, Wallace later said: “I didn’t particularly enjoy Strictly. I love dancing but if I were paired with somebody who liked me, then I would have done better.”
ITV News has reached out to Ms Vilani for comment.
In relation to the Strictly accusations, the BBC told ITV News in a statement: “Whilst we do not comment on individuals, 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.“
Last week, Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, announced Wallace would be stepping away from his role on the cooking show after complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct.
The production company announced an “immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate” and said Wallace was “committed to fully co-operating throughout the process”.
The new allegations against Wallace come after John Torode, who has presented MasterChef alongside Wallace since 2005, said he “loves being part of” the programme and “will continue to be a part of it”.
Australian-born Torode said in a statement on Instagram that he found the recent reports “truly upsetting” and the “thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear”.
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.”
It comes after 60-year-old Wallace faced fresh allegations on Tuesday evening, with BBC News reporting that one woman claimed he touched her bottom after an event and another said he pressed his crotch against her while filming a different show.
The outlet previously reported claims against Wallace from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, with many others since sharing their alleged experiences.
The BBC announced two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials had been pulled from its festive schedule after Wallace stepped back from the show amid an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
The corporation 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.”
Celebrity Escape To The Country will air instead of Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off on December 23, while an episode of The Repair Shop will replace MasterChef Meets Strictly Festive Extravaganza on December 30, according to The Sun.
Three episodes of BBC Two’s Inside The Factory, which are repeats, are also coming out of the schedule, but the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals remains on air.
On Monday, Wallace apologised for claiming complaints about his behaviour came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”, adding he will “take some time out”.
It came after his statement sparked a backlash, with Downing Street saying his response to the accusations was “inappropriate and misogynistic”.
A BBC spokesperson previously said the corporation takes any issues raised “seriously” and is clear that “any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated”.
The broadcaster added that it would be “inappropriate” to comment amid the external review by Banijay UK.
Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.
Have you heard The Trapped? Listen as Daniel Hewitt exposes the UK's dirty secret..