The BBC was warned of alleged inappropriate behaviour by Gregg Wallace years before he stepped back from hosting MasterChef this week, according to reports. In an email seen by The Times, broadcaster Aasmah Mir complained to the corporation about comments made Mr Wallace after she had appeared on Celebrity Masterchef.

Gregg Wallace, the well-known host of MasterChef UK, has stepped away from his role on the popular cooking competition amid serious allegations. The production company behind the show is conducting an investigation into historical misconduct claims that have surfaced.

The BBC is pushing on with MasterChef production despite the ream of Gregg Wallace allegations that emerged yesterday, as a conversation is kickstarted around “open secrets” in TV. Wallace, a fixture on BBC TV screens for decades,