Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace is reportedly planning to leave the UK and start a new life in Italy, following his high-profile sacking from the BBC cooking show and an ongoing legal dispute with the corporation.
Legal Battle and Allegations of Injustice
The 61-year-old, who was dismissed after a misconduct investigation, is currently suing the BBC. He is seeking access to unredacted copies of his personal data, a move his legal team believes could lead to a separate claim against the broadcaster. Wallace has stated that his lawyers view his treatment as a 'terrible, terrible injustice'.
Speaking about the investigation that led to his departure, Wallace reiterated that it reportedly cleared him of the most serious claims. 'They are saying: "here’s an investigation that says you're not groping, you're definitely not flashing, you're not sexually harassing, you're not bullying anybody. So why are you in this position and who is responsible for it?"' he told The Mirror.
A New Chapter in Italy
Sources close to the star have revealed that Wallace is now looking at relocating to Italy, the home country of his wife, Anne-Marie Sterpini. He currently lives in Kent with his wife, his mother-in-law Rina, and his autistic son, Sid.
Wallace believes his burgeoning online career—which includes health coaching and paid personalised video messages on the Cameo platform—will provide the financial freedom to live abroad. He has previously expressed his deep affection for Italy, calling the entire country 'one fantastic restaurant' and detailing his love for its regional cuisines and culture.
'I love it all: the south for the simplicity and beauty of its food, the middle for its history and the north for its style. I am going to retire there,' he once said in an interview.
BBC's Response and Ongoing Dispute
The BBC terminated Wallace's contract after an internal report upheld more than 40 allegations about his behaviour during MasterChef filming. In October of last year, the broadcaster defended itself against his £10,000 damages claim, arguing he was 'not entitled to any damages' for distress.
The corporation stated that the eventual voluntary disclosure of his data in October 2024—following his initial request in March—demonstrated he had no basis for such a claim. Wallace, who received an autism diagnosis in 2025, has insisted that his sometimes off-colour humour was a sign he 'didn't know what was right' to say in social situations due to his condition, and has accused the BBC of failing to provide adequate support.
The legal and personal saga continues as Wallace prepares for a potential future far from the UK television scene that made him a household name.
