TV presenter Gregg Wallace stepped away from hosting MasterChef last year after a number of historical complaints came to light. However, it has now been reported that the BBC has dropped him following an investigation, despite being cleared of groping claims.

In November, he stepped back from presenting the popular cooking show after claims of alleged misconduct, which sparked an external investigation by the show’s production company, Banijay UK. The 60-year-old posted a defiant statement today ahead of the publication of the summary of a report into the claims, saying he has been cleared of the “most serious and sensational accusations”.

He said on Instagram: “I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins [sic] report – a decision I do not take lightly. After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others."

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Gregg claimed: "I have now been cleared by the Silkins (sic) report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.

"To be clear, the Silkins Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018."

He later added: "I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges, and all.

"For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem."

A BBC spokesperson said: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to investigate allegations against Gregg Wallace. We will not comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”

The Sun reported that Gregg's report is officially due for release on Thursday, 10 July. According to an insider, Gregg and his team have been given an "early steer".

The source said: "Gregg is both furious and devastated about how things have played out. His team have seen the report and believe he is cleared of the most serious wrongdoing allegations, so he has taken great consolation from that.

"Whilst he is not excusing his inappropriate comments and innuendos - some of which he has been found against - on his recent autism diagnosis, this has been a mitigating factor.

"He has also been cleared of some of the higher profile allegations, including those brought on by Penny Lancaster and Kirsty Wark, but the BBC has made it clear there is no way back for him. He is devastated."

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