Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace was reportedly treated for a suspected heart attack days before he was sacked from the programme
Gregg Wallace’s ‘heart attack’ as fresh details of shock response to MasterChef axe emerge(Image: BBC /Shine TV)
Gregg Wallace, who warned he “will not go quietly”, was recently fired from his role at MasterChef following misconduct claims. It was announced on Tuesday that the 60-year-old presenter will no longer appear on the channel after his sacking.
The TV star had been accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and jokes over a 13-year period. Fifty people made fresh misconduct claims against the TV presenter, according to BBC News, but he continues to deny all allegations. And now, it has been reported that Gregg was rushed to the hospital and treated for a suspected heart attack days before he was axed.
Gregg was axed from MasterChef(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Gregg reportedly told a friend he was taken to the hospital in Ashford with a suspected heart attack after two days of chest pains. According to The Sun, he told his friend: “‘The stress of this betrayal brought on my suspected heart attack. It’s been hell.”
The Mirror have reached out to Gregg’s reps for comment.
Meanwhile, the former greengrocer slammed the BBC, saying he has been exonerated of the most serious allegations levelled against him.
In an Instagram statement on Tuesday, he explained: “I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly.
The star said he ‘wouldn’t go quietly’(Image: BBC)
“But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me.
“The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures, which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.”
In his statement, he accused the organisation of “peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories.” He said: “To be clear, the Silkin’s Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018.
“I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.”
He said his personality is what sold him to the BBC in the first place, adding that the “authenticity was part of the brand”. He added: “Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem.”
Gregg claimed his autism diagnosis wasn’t cared for properly, insisting ‘nothing was done to investigate his disability of protect him from a dangerous environment’.
He signed off by telling the BBC he “will no go quietly”, explaining: “I will not be cancelled for convenience…The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.”
