Former MasterChef presenter seeks documents on dismissal after misconduct probe upheld claims

Gregg Wallace, the former presenter of MasterChef, has launched a legal claim against the BBC over his dismissal earlier this year. Court records show the claim was filed in the high court last Friday and is categorised as a “data protection” case.

The move comes two months after Wallace, 59, was dropped from the long-running cookery competition following an independent investigation by law firm Lewis Silkin. That inquiry substantiated 45 allegations against him, including claims of inappropriate sexual language and one incident of unwelcome physical contact.

Banijay UK, which produces MasterChef, and the BBC said at the time that Wallace’s return was “untenable”. The broadcaster confirmed he would not be reinstated after co-hosting the show alongside John Torode for two decades.

In a statement issued in July, Wallace apologised “for any distress caused” but stressed that the report had cleared him of what he called “the most serious and sensational accusations”.

The newly filed legal action is believed to focus on Wallace’s attempt to access internal documents related to his dismissal. A source quoted by The Sun, which first reported the claim, said Wallace had requested to see all paperwork concerning him but was “blocked by the BBC”. The insider added: “This is why he’s had to go legal. This is the first, major step towards Gregg taking serious action. Gregg’s team believe that once they have the correspondence in front of them, their case – and next steps – will become clear.”

The Lewis Silkin review also noted that Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder during the course of its seven-month investigation. It said its findings should be considered in the context of his neurodiversity.

Wallace himself has suggested he may pursue a disability discrimination claim. “A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived,” he said in July. “I’m still learning. Banijay have given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake.” He confirmed at the time that he was considering his options with “full legal support”.

The BBC said it had not yet been formally notified of any proceedings. A spokesperson added: “At this stage we are unable to comment.”

Wallace’s departure came alongside that of Torode, who was separately investigated and found to have used racist language. Torode admitted he was the subject of the allegation “for the sake of transparency” but insisted he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened”.

The broadcaster confirmed that the latest series of MasterChef, filmed last year before the allegations were upheld, would still be aired. However, two contestants were edited out following the review. The decision, the BBC admitted, “was not an easy one in the circumstances”.

Wallace’s legal claim marks the next stage in what has become one of the most high-profile dismissals in British television this year. With court action now underway, the row between the BBC and one of its most recognisable food personalities shows no sign of cooling