Penny Lancaster has spoken out about an embarrassing experience during her appearance on *Celebrity MasterChef* in 2021,
where she claims that culinary expert Gregg Wallace humiliated her on national television.
The incident, which reportedly left the former model and *Loose Women* panelist feeling mortified, has resurfaced amidst new allegations against Wallace,
who has since stepped down from his long-running role as host of the popular cooking competition.
In a recent interview, Penny hinted that Wallace was a “bad apple”
who needed to be removed from the industry, adding that she was “prepared to go to the authorities” in response to the treatment she received.
The *Celebrity MasterChef* experience was marred by Wallace’s apparent negative reaction to her cooking, specifically during the preparation of her fried calamari and tartare sauce. Penny, who had been feeling optimistic about her progress in the competition, was disappointed when Wallace criticized her dish in a way that she described as inappropriate.
During the cooking challenge, Penny had made the comment, “I’m doing surprisingly well compared to what I imagined how I’d be doing. I don’t want to slip up now.” However, when it came time for Wallace to sample her dish, things took a turn. Penny expressed concerns about the tartare sauce, noting that it didn’t resemble the one she was accustomed to, only for Wallace to make a dismissive remark: “You used whole…” leaving the implication that her choice of ingredients was subpar. This interaction, according to Penny, was a humiliating moment on the show that stood out in her memory.
Penny’s husband, rock legend Sir Rod Stewart, also weighed in on the situation, expressing his anger towards Wallace’s treatment of his wife. Before Christmas, he posted a fiery Instagram message in which he called Wallace a “tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully,” adding, “Good riddance Wallace… You humiliated my wife when she was on the show but you had that bit cut out didn’t you?” The post reflected Sir Rod’s frustration over how he believes his wife was treated and further fueled the public debate over Wallace’s conduct.
The controversy surrounding Wallace deepened when it emerged that multiple complaints have been made against him regarding alleged inappropriate behavior during past working relationships. Some of these allegations suggest that Wallace made sexually charged remarks, which he has vehemently denied. Despite his strong refutation of the claims, the BBC has launched an investigation into the accusations, with Wallace stepping back from his role on *MasterChef* amid the rising scrutiny.
Penny, however, has stated that she is not deterred from pursuing future television projects, though she firmly believes that individuals who engage in inappropriate behavior must be removed from the industry. She emphasized that the majority of her TV experiences, such as her time on *Loose Women* and *Strictly Come Dancing*, have been positive and well-supported. Nonetheless, she reiterated the importance of addressing instances of misconduct, claiming that “bad apples” should be dealt with accordingly to ensure a safer and more respectful working environment for everyone.
Gregg Wallace’s exit from *MasterChef* has been described as a response to the growing number of misconduct allegations against him. He has maintained that the claims are unfounded and denies any wrongdoing. Nevertheless, the timing of his departure, coinciding with the public release of Penny Lancaster’s statements and her husband’s fiery remarks, suggests that the ongoing controversy is having a significant impact on his career.
As the BBC’s investigation continues, Penny’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability in the entertainment industry. While Penny has stated she’s prepared to take legal action if necessary, she also made it clear that the situation isn’t reflective of her overall career, which she has described as fulfilling and supported. The debate surrounding Wallace’s behavior, however, is far from over, and it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming months.
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