Melanie Sykes Speaks Out; The 'Celebrity MasterChef' Experience That Prompted Her Industry Exit
Former television presenter Melanie Sykes has revealed that her experience on the BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef in 2021 was a significant factor in her decision to quit the industry. In her memoir Illuminated, published last year, Sykes described her interactions with judge Gregg Wallace as “unprofessional” and “jaw-dropping.” She recounted that Wallace greeted her on set with a question about whether models eat, which she found disrespectful and ignorant.
Sykes alleged that Wallace spent much of his time on set barking orders, creating a toxic environment that made her uncomfortable. In her autobiography, she expressed that after being told by Wallace that participating in the show would benefit her career, she felt prompted to end her television career instead.
In a recent YouTube video, Sykes spoke further about her experience, stating, “I complained afterwards. I didn’t want to make a formal complaint because I’d spend my whole time in litigation if I did that.” Her comments surfaced amid broader allegations against Wallace, with a reported 13 individuals coming forward with accusations of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct spanning over a 17-year period across various shows.
Gregg Wallace has stepped away from his hosting duties on MasterChef while an external review led by Banijay UK investigates these allegations. His lawyers have denied any claims of sexually harassing behaviour, and Wallace himself has faced backlash for previously dismissing his accusers as “middle-class women of a certain age.” Following criticism, he apologised for those comments, acknowledging that he had been under significant stress.
Despite calls from some politicians and public figures for the BBC to suspend airing MasterChef, the network has continued to broadcast pre-recorded episodes of the programme. Both Sykes and several former contestants have voiced concerns about the toxic culture in the television industry, urging for systemic reforms to better protect individuals working behind the scenes.
Melanie Sykes quit TV after Gregg's 'unprofessional and jaw-dropping' behaviour
Former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Melanie Sykes complained about judge Gregg Wallace after working with him on the BBC culinary show
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Melanie Sykes criticises TV industry after Celebrity MasterChef experience - saying she complained at the time
Former TV presenter and broadcaster Melanie Sykes appeared on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021. After writing about her experiences in her autobiography,
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Gregg Wallace was the reason I quit TV, says Melanie Sykes
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Gregg Wallace’s ‘jaw-dropping’ comment that made Melanie Sykes quit TV
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Masterchef's celebrity Christmas specials have been pulled by the BBC following allegations against Gregg Wallace.
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Melanie Sykes says she decided to quit TV after 'unprofessional and jaw-dropping' behaviour from Gregg Wallace
Former TV presenter Melanie Sykes has said that Gregg Wallace’s behaviour led to her deciding to quit the industry.
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Gregg Wallace was the reason I quit, says ex-presenter Melanie Sykes
Melanie Sykes, 54, appeared on Celebrity MasterChef 2021, and claimed Wallace greeted her on the show by asking if models eat, which she said she foun
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Gregg Wallace was the reason I quit TV, says former presenter Melanie Sykes
MasterChef presenter’s behaviour on show ‘helped me decide to end my television career’, says Melanie Sykes
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Melanie Sykes 'quit TV' after Gregg Wallace behaviour
Melanie has suggested that she informally complained about Gregg's conduct
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