MasterChef star William Sitwell defends Gregg Wallace but insists he's 'not gaslighting' his accusers amid misconduct storm - after Grace Dent was named as his replacement

MasterChef star William Sitwell has defended his pal and co-star Gregg Wallace by insisting he's 'never seen him utter an unkind word to anyone deliberately.'

The food writer, who regularly appears on the BBC show, said he's 'speaking from his own experience' after 13 people, including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, accused Gregg of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming.

On Wednesday it was confirmed that Grace Dent will replace Gregg on the upcoming series of Celebrity Masterchef, after he stepped back from the show while an investigation is conducted into his behaviour.

Speaking on Times Radio, William told John Pienaar: 'I'm not gaslighting, you sometimes have to speak from your own experience. 

'And all I know is that, 20 years in that studio, I've never seen him utter an unkind word to anybody deliberately. 

'That's not to say that I'm 100% correct. I did write a piece about him, describing the Gregg that I've known over the years. I'll stand by that. We'll just have to see what comes from the Banijay investigation.'

John then noted: 'You're taking a loyal line there to a mate. But that's not to say you're just disputing the evidence, the mass of it that's come out of late.'

William then noted: 'Look, I'm not someone who could possibly dispute the evidence. I think sometimes it's a good thing to stand by your friends. 

'I know him well. I wish him well. I think it's very difficult to survive under the avalanche of press publicity. I have some sympathy. Let's see what happens.'

Dent, 51, will judge the upcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef following news last month that Gregg Wallace will step away from the role amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct.

Wallace has faced a series of complaints about his alleged behaviour, including claims he made inappropriate sexual jokes, shared intimate details of his sex life and even walked around set naked except for a penis on his sock.

He also reportedly would take off his clothes in front of women on set, flirt with members of staff and has been accused of groping two crew members. 

At least 13 women have made formal complaints about Wallace across five shows over a 17-year period, with more describing inappropriate experiences on social media since the scandal broke.

Wallace's lawyers have previously denied any allegations that he has engaged in behaviour that amounts to sexual harassment.

The BBC previously cancelled two planned Christmas specials of MasterChef amid the publicity storm surrounding the presenter, as the show's producers Banijay began an investigation. 

Author and podcaster Dent has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics.

Her takeover from Wallace was first reported last week, with a source telling the Sun Dent is seen as 'the perfect choice' for the show.

They added: 'She's knowledgeable about food and opinionated, plus it's great to have a woman as a judge on the show. It will shake things up and give the series the boost it needs after such an upsetting and uncertain time.

'She is already a fan favourite and has won lots of respect in the foodie world thanks to her no-nonsense style and sense of humour.

'Bosses love her already, know she is a safe pair of hands and trust her to help steer the ship with John to steadier waters.'

She said: 'I've been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa. My whole family watches it. It's all about uncovering and championing talent – and to have ended up in this position, is more than a dream to me.

'I'm so excited that I can't eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic. I feel very lucky to be stepping in for the next Celebrity MasterChef.

'I can't wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025.'

It was recently revealed that Wallace admitted 'defeat' and accepted his career is over in the wake of an investigation by a production company into his alleged sexual harassment and groping. 

After allegations against him were first made, Wallace took to Instagram and blamed a handful of 'middle-aged' women for the complaints - before backtracking and apologising for any 'offence caused' after sparking national outrage with the video. 

A source has now told MailOnline that Gregg has told friends that he 'accepts his TV career is basically at an end.'

Among those to have spoken out about his behaviour are former Newsnight host Kirsty Walk, Penny Lancaster and TV chef Gizzi Erskine.

Torode, who has presented MasterChef since 2005, said: 'I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.

'Expertise is what MasterChef is all about, from the contestants to our wonderful production team, to us as judges.

'The love of food, the love of MasterChef, and that unquestionable expertise, makes Grace the perfect person to step in alongside me as judge for the forthcoming Celebrity MasterChef series.'

Wallace's lawyers previously told the BBC: 'It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'.