Food writer and MasterChef regular William Sitwell has said that he is not "gaslighting" those who've made claims against Gregg Wallace but insisted that "sometimes it's a good thing to stand by your friends". It comes as Wallace faces an investigation into his behaviour by the BBC after several female colleagues came forward with complaints.
Speaking to Times Radio's John Pienaar, the BBC star said: "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 replied: "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," with William taking a further stance on the situation, saying: "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.
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"I think it's very difficult to survive under the avalanche of press publicity. I have some sympathy. Let's see what happens."
Recently, the TV chef was forced to step down from his BBC role on MasterChef after a letter was sent to the broadcaster setting out allegations of "sexual comments" by 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
The complaints include claims from three women who alleged groping and indecent exposure. Additional allegations of “inappropriate sexual comments” were previously made by women, including Kirsty Wark and Kirstie Allsopp.
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Wallace has denied the claims and his lawyers say it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. Masterchef's production company Banijay UK has launched an investigation and said Wallace is co-operating.
Meanwhile, fans and bookmakers are abuzz with predictions about who might take over Wallace’s role.
TV chef James Martin, known for his ITV shows, is the current favourite, with Betfred giving him 5/2 odds. Lisa Faulkner, actress and wife of Torode, is also in the running with 3/1 odds.
