Gregg Wallace Drops Legal Claim Against BBC

Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has discontinued his legal claim against the BBC and BBC Studios, abandoning a bid for up to £10,000 in damages. The case centered on allegations that the BBC failed to comply with requests for his personal data.

Background of the Dispute

Wallace initiated legal proceedings in October 2025 following his dismissal from MasterChef in July of the same year. He claimed the BBC caused him “distress and harassment” by not fully providing copies of his personal data as requested. He had made Subject Access Requests (SARs) in March 2025, seeking information related to his function, contracts, and conduct.

Allegations and BBC’s Response

Wallace alleged that the BBC “wrongly redacted” information and “unlawfully failed to supply all of the claimant’s personal data.” The BBC, however, maintained that Wallace was not entitled to damages and denied causing him any distress or harassment. In its defense, the BBC stated it initially did not provide a substantive response due to the scale of the request, but subsequently provided the requested data on October 7th and issued an apology in August.

Case Discontinued, No Damages Awarded

The claim was discontinued shortly before a scheduled hearing on February 16, 2026. A BBC spokesperson confirmed that Wallace will not receive any payment for costs or damages. “Shortly in advance of a hearing, due February 16, Mr Wallace discontinued his claim. He is not receiving any payment in costs or damages from either BBC or BBC Studios,” the spokesperson stated.

Underlying Misconduct Allegations

Wallace’s dismissal from MasterChef followed an investigation that upheld 45 of 83 allegations of misconduct, primarily occurring between 2005 and 2018. These included allegations of inappropriate sexual language and humor, as well as instances of unwelcome physical contact and being in a state of undress. Wallace previously issued an apology, stating he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and that he “never set out to harm or humiliate.”

Wallace had co-presented MasterChef since 2005 and announced his departure in November 2024 while the allegations were under investigation.

Source: BBC News