Andi Oliver, who is being touted as a potential replacement for Gregg Wallace on MasterChef, has said she’s “not surprised” by the allegations against him, stating that “everybody” had heard rumours. Gregg has been accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and behaving inappropriately towards female staff and guests over a 17-year period.
The 60 year old has vehemently denied all allegations, with his lawyers previously telling the BBC: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
He has since stepped back from MasterChef and is cooperating with an investigation into the claims led by TV company Banijay UK. Speaking about the allegations, Andi told The Guardian: “I’m not surprised by it.”
Although she doesn’t know Gregg personally, she added: “There’s a certain culture that allows it to happen.”
Gregg Wallace has denied all allegations against him
(Image: BBC)
She went on to say: “Somebody should have nipped that s**t in the bud a long time ago. It’s not like nobody knew it was happening. I heard stuff. Everyone did,” reports Wales Online.
She also claimed there are many others who behave badly.
The 61 year old believes change can only occur “if we stop all the fake outrage” and instead, implement real change. She concluded: “Thousands of people shouting about Gregg Wallace on Twitter doesn’t interest me. What does is whether we remember this in six months, or will there be more fake shock and outrage when it happens all over again with the next person whose antics were an open secret?”
Andi Oliver ‘wasn’t surprised’ by the allegations
(Image: GETTY)
In a recent interview, Andi Peters gave a rather enigmatic answer when asked about the possibility of joining John Torode on the BBC cooking show as a new co-host, following Gregg Wallace’s departure. While Grace Dent has stepped in for the celebrity edition, the spot for the amateur series remains open.
Andi initially responded with a straightforward “No”, but then intriguingly remarked, “I can’t talk about that. Everyone keeps asking.”
As anticipation builds for next year’s celebrity series, restaurant critic Grace expressed her enthusiasm, saying she is “so excited” and eagerly looks forward to “can’t wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025”. Meanwhile, John, who has shared the screen with Gregg for many years, praised Grace as an “excellent guest and inspiring critic”, reflecting on their enjoyable collaboration.