London, 29 July 2025 — In a dramatic turn of events that could shake trust in the BBC's internal safeguarding procedures, previously unseen emails reveal that senior BBC executives were made aware of misconduct allegations involving TV presenter Gregg Wallace as early as 2021 — a full four years before any public statement was made.
The cache of internal communications, quietly released following a Freedom of Information tribunal ruling, shows a trail of emails, meeting summaries, and redacted HR memos pointing to a pattern of concern and inaction. These documents — some marked “Strictly Confidential” — appear to contradict the BBC’s prior claims that it only became fully aware of the matter in late 2024.
“Flagged but not followed”
One email dated 13 August 2021, sent by a mid-level HR official, includes the subject line: “Urgent: Concerns Re. Mr. Wallace’s On-Set Conduct (Again)”. The body of the message outlines a series of incidents reported by freelance staff working on a now-cancelled pilot filmed in Manchester. The email ends with the line: “We are at risk if this goes external — advise next steps ASAP.”
In another email, sent six weeks later, a senior production executive writes:
“We’ll need to keep this quiet for now. Any formal investigation could jeopardise autumn programming — not ideal.”
These remarks appear especially damaging in the wake of the BBC’s repeated public assertions that “appropriate action was taken immediately upon learning of any allegations.”
Allegations still unclear — but pressure mounting
The exact nature of the allegations against Mr Wallace has not yet been made public in full, though sources close to the inquiry describe the conduct as “repeatedly inappropriate, verbally intimidating, and in some cases, bordering on harassment.”
Wallace, best known as co-presenter of MasterChef and a long-time BBC personality, has not publicly commented on the leaked emails. However, a source close to his legal team claims he is “completely blindsided” by the release and is preparing to issue a statement.
BBC Responds
In a brief statement issued late Monday, the BBC confirmed that the emails were genuine but insisted the matter had been “thoroughly reviewed at the time according to internal policy.” It added:
“The BBC takes all safeguarding matters extremely seriously. Where conduct falls below expected standards, appropriate action is taken.”
That explanation is unlikely to satisfy critics — or former BBC staff — now calling for an independent inquiry into how long-standing internal concerns were seemingly shelved to protect programming schedules and brand image.
What’s Next?
The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee is expected to raise the issue in Parliament this week, and there is growing pressure on BBC Director-General Tim Davie to address the leaked documents publicly.
Meanwhile, media watchdogs and public figures are demanding more transparency:
“This goes beyond one presenter,” said former Ofcom adviser Clare Deighton. “This speaks to whether the BBC has a systemic issue with suppressing complaints involving high-profile talent.”
Full Emails Now Public
The full 38-email thread, partially redacted and released under FOI Order #934/22-UK, can now be accessed via the UK Public Archives Repository. Names of complainants have been removed to protect identities.