MasterChef winner Dan Merriman speaks out on Gregg Wallace amid BBC controversy

Dan Merriman was crowned the winner of MasterChef: The Professionals last month, but his victory was overshadowed by the scandal surrounding judge Gregg Wallace

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Zara WoodcockShowbiz Reporter

14:35, 13 DEC 2024

MasterChef Professionals winner breaks silence on experience with Gregg Wallace — MasterChef Professionals winner Dan Merriman and Gregg Wallace (Image: No credit)

MasterChef: The Professionals victor Dan Merriman recently praised Gregg Wallace following his experience on the culinary competition. During an intense contest, Dan impressed judges Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti, and the embattled Gregg Wallace with his exceptional, inventive dishes and expert cooking that also won over restaurant critics and top UK chefs.

Upon securing the title, Dan expressed his elation: "To walk away as MasterChef Champion, it means the world to me. There's not been that many times where I've been proud of myself in my life, but I've hit the pinnacle! This whole competition has changed my life. I'm forever grateful."

Dan also spoke out about his interactions with Gregg, who faced criticism after past allegations surfaced of "sexual comments" made on the MasterChef set, reported by Kirsty Wark and others on Newsnight. Last month saw Gregg caught up in controversy leading to a BBC investigation, due to which he stepped back from the show a fortnight ago. However, via Instagram, Gregg robustly refuted any misconduct, reports the Mirror.

Commenting on his personal experiences, Dan remarked that his "experience with Gregg was great". The MasterChef: The Professionals victor had only plaudits for Gregg, conveying to The Times: "He's a happy-go-lucky kind of bloke, very encouraging and very supportive. He gave me some great comments and feedback." Moreover, Dan voiced his opinion that the controversy surrounding Wallace hasn't diminished the programme's reputation. "At the end of the day, the programme is all about the contestants," he said. "We've had a lot of support from the public, from social media, and I don't feel like it's been overshadowed. Nor should it be. It shouldn't take away from the achievements of any one of the 32 chefs who took part."

Elsewhere, BBC executives have previously clarified that the organisation will stand by its policy not to "tolerate behaviour that falls below the standards we expect" and is committed to fostering "a culture that is kind, inclusive and respectful". Additionally, a memorandum dispatched to employees by BBC director-general Tim Davie and Charlotte Moore, chief content officer, indicated that support would be provided to MasterChef producer Banijay UK throughout its inquiry.

Wallace too has issued an apology following remarks where he suggested complaints concerning his conduct stemmed from "a handful of middle-class women of a certain age", acknowledging that he plans to "take some time out". Significantly, Wallace's legal team has categorically refuted "he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature", as reported by BBC News. The festive editions of MasterChef have been axed from the BBC's festive broadcast line-up.