Gregg Wallace returns to Masterchef amid probe as new series launches in a matter of days

GREGG Wallace is returning to Masterchef amid a BBC probe as the new series launches in a matter of days.

The Sun exclusively revealed how Gregg, 59, was under fire after it emerged he was probed over inappropriate sexual comments to a female BBC staffer.

We revealed for the first time how he was rapped by BBC bosses in 2018 for taking off his top and bragging about romps.

He was also accused of being rude and insulting to women on a different show in 2023.

While the BBC last week pledged to clean up bad behaviour, Gregg will soon be back on screens for a new series of Masterchef: The Professionals.

The series sees professional chefs enter the kitchen rather than amateurs like in the regular series.

Gregg is joined by chefs Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti.

The series was obviously filmed before the probe into Gregg's behaviour was revealed.

Following the reports, Gregg spoke out on the allegations and admitted he made comments but denied they were sexual.

He emphasized that he loved his wife Anne-Marie Sterpini, who he wed in 2016.

The TV star said: "With reference to what's in the newspapers, these allegations were investigated by the BBC six years ago.

"The allegations were investigations six years ago and my comments were found to be not sexual.

"I repeat, not sexual. Thank you everybody for your time.

"I don't want anybody to misunderstand this and make it look like I was flirting with somebody. Nobody accused me of that and I never have."

Speaking about his marriage to Anna, who is 22 younger, Gregg continued: "Something else that I feel very strongly about, strong enough to be on here, nobody six years ago or since has accused me of flirting with anybody or hitting on anybody.

"And that's important to me, and I say this for my wife Anna, who I've been true to and madly in love with since the day I met her."

On the latest allegations, a spokesman for the BBC said: “Whilst we do not comment on individuals, if issues are raised they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately at the time.

“We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour and have robust processes in place.” ­

Wallace’s reps said: “No comment.”

Masterchef: The Professionals returns on Tuesday, October 29 at 8pm on BBC One.