TV presenter Gregg Wallace has bravely shared his struggles with mental health, revealing that he considered suicide during the intense media storm surrounding misconduct allegations made against him. The 60-year-old, best known for hosting MasterChef, stepped away from the show in 2024 after a number of historical complaints surfaced, leading to an external investigation by the show’s production company, Banijay UK.
Mental Health Struggles and Need for Healing
On April 26, Wallace took to Instagram to open up about his emotional journey, stating that it had been difficult to speak about his mental health and the impact it had on his family. “Right now, I don’t want to add anything more. I’ve opened my heart, and that has to be enough,” Wallace wrote. He also expressed his desire for privacy, adding that he needed space to heal and time with the people who truly know him.
He acknowledged the inevitable public scrutiny, but made it clear that he would not be responding to the noise surrounding him. “I just wanted to let you know that there are no further comments at this time,” he concluded.
Thoughts of Suicide During the Crisis
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Wallace further discussed the immense pressure he faced during the allegations. Describing his mental state at the time, he revealed that he frequently thought about suicide. “I thought about suicide all the time – ‘is my insurance up to date? Will Anna (Wallace’s wife) get some money? She doesn’t deserve this, it would be better if I wasn’t here,'” he confessed.
Wallace highlighted how isolating it felt to face such an intense public backlash, especially with no support from the BBC at the time. “Nobody should be left on their own to face this,” he said, explaining that the pressure was unbearable and that the feeling of being attacked and abandoned was overwhelming. He also detailed the physical toll of the stress, describing sleepless nights and racing thoughts.
Defending Himself Against the Claims
In the interview, Wallace addressed some of the accusations made against him. He admitted to engaging in a questionable act by putting a sock over his private parts and opening his dressing room door to three friends after filming had finished. However, he insisted that it occurred in private, not during filming. Wallace also acknowledged that some of the inappropriate jokes made in the past “probably” were his, but he denied allegations of groping crew members, calling them “absolutely not true.”
His legal team had previously issued a statement to the BBC, refuting the claim that Wallace had engaged in sexually harassing behavior. Despite the allegations, Wallace maintains his innocence regarding the most serious claims.
Support From Banijay UK and the BBC’s Response
Amid the scandal, Banijay UK arranged for a crisis mentor to support Wallace, which he described as a “life raft” that helped him navigate the difficult period. However, Wallace expressed disappointment in the BBC’s lack of communication or support during the crisis.
The BBC pulled two of Wallace’s MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials from the air in December 2024, as the allegations continued to stir public debate. In response, Banijay UK stated that it regularly reviews and strengthens its welfare processes to ensure the wellbeing of all those involved in the show.
Looking Ahead: Wallace’s Future on MasterChef
Despite the controversy, Wallace’s long-standing MasterChef co-presenter, John Torode, will remain a part of the forthcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef. Wallace, however, will not be returning to his presenting duties for the time being. Food critic Grace Dent will join Torode as a judge for the new series.
Gregg Wallace’s openness about his mental health struggles serves as a poignant reminder of the personal toll that public scrutiny can take, especially in the face of intense media storms. While the allegations continue to unfold, Wallace’s priority remains his emotional recovery, and his call for “space to heal” resonates deeply as he moves forward from a tumultuous chapter in his life.
