Gregg Wallace

Gregg Wallace Biography

Gregg Allan Wallace is a well-known English broadcaster, entrepreneur, and writer famous primarily for co-presenting the BBC cooking competition show MasterChef, including Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals. He became a household name through his engaging and expressive judging style on MasterChef, a role he held for over 16 years. Wallace is also noted for his background as a greengrocer before transitioning into television and media work, where his passion for food, business acumen, and charming personality have made him a dominant presence in the culinary world. Beyond television, he has authored several cookbooks and ventured into the restaurant business.

Childhood

Gregg Wallace was born on October 17, 1964, in Peckham, South London. He grew up in a modest and humble environment. At the age of eight, Wallace experienced trauma from being sexually assaulted by a babysitter's husband, an incident he kept private for many years. His early life in Peckham, a working-class neighborhood, shaped his character and work ethic. Wallace left school at the age of 15.

Education

Wallace’s formal education was limited as he left school at 15 without completing traditional higher education. Instead, he trained and learned through hands-on experience, starting his career in the practical setting of Covent Garden Fruit and Vegetable Market. His education in business and food came primarily through this early work experience and subsequent entrepreneurial ventures in the grocery trade.

Career

Wallace’s professional career began at Covent Garden Fruit and Vegetable Market, where he worked initially as a warehouseman and salesman. Encouraged to start his own business, he founded George Allan’s Greengrocers in 1989, which grew substantially, generating a turnover of £7.5 million by supplying over 500 clients, including top hotels and restaurants across the UK. His business success led to opportunities in media; he co-hosted the BBC Radio 4 show Veg Talk for seven years and later appeared in various cooking programs. Wallace’s big break came when he began co-presenting MasterChef with John Torode, which became an iconic show watched internationally. He also opened restaurants, such as Wallace & Co in Putney and Gregg’s Bar & Grill in Bermondsey Square. Beyond TV and restaurants, Wallace has been involved in writing for food magazines and managing an online farm shop.

Family Life

Gregg Wallace has three children and has been known to keep his family life relatively private. Details about his past and present relationships have not been widely publicized, but it is known that family is important to him despite his busy professional commitments. He balances his personal life discreetly alongside his public career.

Achievements

Wallace has achieved significant success as a media personality and entrepreneur. He was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to the food industry and broadcasting. His role in popularizing cooking through MasterChef, which airs in over 200 territories and has versions in 40 countries, is a major cultural impact. Wallace's business success with his greengrocer enterprise and his ventures into restaurants and farm shops also highlight his entrepreneurial talents. Additionally, his published cookbooks have contributed to his reputation as a knowledgeable food writer.

Controversies

In 2024, Gregg Wallace faced serious allegations of sexual harassment, leading to him stepping back from MasterChef during the investigation. Wallace and his lawyers denied the allegations, stating the accusations were entirely false. In 2025, Wallace publicly shared the emotional toll the allegations had on him, including contemplating suicide. Later that year, he was cleared of the most serious claims following an investigation. Despite being cleared, the controversy affected his relationship with the BBC and his public image.

Gregg Wallace Summary

Gregg Wallace’s journey from a modest upbringing in Peckham to becoming a prominent figure in the food and broadcast industry is marked by hard work, resilience, and passion for food. From his early days in Covent Garden Market to leading one of the UK's most beloved cooking shows, he has built a multifaceted career as a media presenter, entrepreneur, and author. While his career faced challenges due to serious allegations, his legacy in the culinary broadcasting world remains significant. Wallace continues to be recognized for his vibrant personality and contributions to the food industry.