BBC MasterChef's John Torode says he and Gregg Wallace have 'never been friends'

John Torode has sensationally claimed he and Gregg Wallace have "never been friends" as the BBC MasterChef star steps away amid misconduct allegations. On Thursday evening Gregg broke his silence, thanking people for “showing their support” on a video posted to his Instagram.

"We’ve never been friends." Torode said back in 2017. During a chat with a national newspaper, Torode said: "It’s funny, we’ve never been friends. We’ve not been to each other’s houses… He’s so OCD, he wouldn’t know what to do."

The judge from the BBC show went on and added: "He’d build it up in his mind for three days, and probably make himself quite sick, then he’d have an argument with his wife and not turn up. If I went to his house, he would feel like he wasn’t in control."

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Gregg previously came under fire after "inappropriate sexual comments" were reportedly made to a female BBC staffer on Impossible Celebrities. 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." The BBC also 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.

These include claims that Gregg was “very touchy feely” and made “disgusting sex-related jokes”. 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."