Dame Prue Leith has criticized “stupid” TV producers for failing to keep celebrities like Gregg Wallace in check.
But the broadcaster, author and restaurateur insisted the MasterChef presenter should not be “canceled or fired” over allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour.
The Great British Bake Off presenter, 84, said Wallace did not appear to have broken the law and probably “has no idea what he has done wrong”.
Amid claims she will blame undiagnosed autism for her behind-the-scenes behavior at the BBC, Dame Prue said Wallace, 60, was “too callous” to understand how offensive he had been.
Thirteen people, including broadcaster Kirsty Wark, have publicly complained about Wallace in the past two weeks, alleging that he told sexualised jokes and openly boasted about his sex life.
It has also been claimed that he groped women, flashed them and pressed his crotch against colleagues in his dressing room.
Wallace resigned from the show last week while the allegations against him are investigated.
Speaking to Times Radio, Dame Prue said producers should be firm with presenters because “there is no such thing as irreplaceable talent”. “It’s really stupid for talent to get arrogant and think they’re too good to fire, because no one is too good to fire,” he said.
Dame Prue Leith has criticized the BBC for failing to keep Gregg Wallace in check, while insisting the MasterChef presenter should not be sacked over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Dame Prue said Wallace, 60, was “too callous” to understand how offensive he had been.
‘It’s also very stupid that producers think they can’t replace them. They are very weak. They can replace Gregg Wallace, they can replace anyone.
“They should be tough on their presenters and be very clear whatever the rules are.”
But he warned against too strict regulation of programmes, saying it would be “silly” if presenters were forced to stick to a script, leading to “very boring” television.
Wallace attracted further criticism last week for saying on social media that the allegations against her came from “a bunch of middle-class women of a certain age.”
The comment went viral online and internet sellers quickly offered clothing with the slogan “Middle Class Woman of a Certain Age.”
Dame Prue said Wallace should avoid social media because he is “just going deeper and deeper into a hole”.
Wallace’s co-host John Torode said he found the allegations against his colleague “really disturbing”.
He added: “He’s too insensitive to understand how offensive it is.” But that’s his problem, he’s insensitive. From what I see, he has not disobeyed the law.
‘I don’t think people should be canceled or fired. I can see why you would ask someone to step aside while you investigate things. But I bet Gregg has no idea what he’s done wrong.
He said he should not be fired until the allegations against him have been investigated, adding: “I don’t know what his crime is.” The BBC has axed its MasterChef Christmas specials and is under pressure to stop the main series.
His co-host, John Torode, said he found the allegations against Wallace “really disturbing” and that “the idea that anyone who has appeared on our show hasn’t had a brilliant experience is horrible.”