Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Chef and television host, Gregg Wallace, spoke openly about experiencing suicidal thoughts after multiple accusations were made against his behavior by women he described as “middle-aged women of a certain age”. The revelations appear to have astonished his critics.
Shared Experiences Uncovered
I was equally astonished when I found myself contributing to the chorus of accusations. I do not have an intimate acquaintance with Gregg, but he had previously appeared on my radio program as a charming guest, and we had crossed paths on “This Morning”.
Revelations From a Trusted Source
I thought I had nothing fresh to disclose regarding the allegations against Gregg until I spoke to a longstanding male colleague and confidant. He has been a reliable source of information for the past 15 years. The conversation began when I mentioned television presenter, Kirstie Allsopp’s, assertion that Wallace had recounted a sexual act he had supposedly enjoyed with his wife. This discussion left the audience in apparent distress. When questioned about the claims, Wallace asserted “they are not all factual.”
An Uncomfortable Encounter
My colleague recounted: “Precisely the same thing occurred when I served as a producer at the BBC. I was tasked with fetching Gregg Wallace from the lobby at Broadcasting House and escorting him to the studio.”
- My colleague stated that in the elevator, Wallace abruptly detailed a graphic sexual act.
- He explained that there was a young woman in the elevator.
- Wallace then alleged to have performed the said sexual act with his girlfriend.
- The young woman seemed distressed. My colleague was also revolted, but refrained from voicing his disapproval as he was responsible for delivering Wallace who was due to take part in a show.
- Any action on his part may have caused complications. The professional repercussions would be difficult to comprehend.
My colleague provided specific details and corroborated Allsopps‘ claim. Now, Gregg Wallace has replied with evident frustration, stating: “Vanessa Feltz had a narrative from a friend who overheard me conveying something in a lift.”
Rectifying Misconceptions
Gregg, it was a man who shared this story, not a woman. You likely have recollections of him. He is a sports professional. He did not simply “overhear” your remarks.
You directed them at him. I was not actively seeking a narrative about your behavior. It reached me spontaneously.
Disclosing this information had nothing to do with a personal dislike. Instead, it was an issue of enabling him to bear the consequences of his actions.