The newly-crowned MasterChef: The Professionals champion has revealed what he really thinks of Gregg Wallace with a six-word comment. Gregg stepped back from his duties on MasterChef after a BBC probe into claims alleging he made sexually inappropriate remarks and conduct.
He has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, with his legal representatives stating: "It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature."
Gregg was on our TV screens once more last night (Thursday December 12) during the finale of the professional contest – shot three months ahead of the surfacing allegations.
Lancashire chef Dan Merriman triumphed in the competition and heaped praise upon Gregg, lauding him as a "happy-go-lucky kind of bloke". "My experience with Gregg was great," he told The Times.
"He's a happy-go-lucky kind of bloke, very encouraging and very supportive. He gave me some great comments and feedback."
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After learning about his victory in September, Dan returned home to a humorous surprise from his partner – a life-size cardboard cut-out of the presenter which they humorously celebrated their win with over a takeaway curry.
He explained: "I came back, and it was just my partner Chloe here, and I walked into the front room and there were balloons everywhere, party poppers, a bottle of wine and an Indian takeaway on the table, and there in the corner was a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Gregg Wallace with a party hat on top."
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He also praised the comforting presence of Gregg Wallace in the MasterChef kitchen, stating: "You've got two professional idols: Marcus Wareing is serious, he's there for the win; and you've got Monica who brings a bit of nurturing to the table. And then you've got Gregg who is just a normal person. Obviously he is who he is, but you haven't got that pressure of cooking for a legend who you watched on Boiling Point, or a Samoan ambassador. He's just the veg guy."
Responding to recent controversies surrounding Gregg, Dan said: "At the end of the day the programme is all about the contestants.
"We've had a lot of support from the public, from social media, and I don't feel like it's been overshadowed. Nor should it be. It shouldn't take away from the achievements of any one of the 32 chefs who took part."
