Gregg Wallace is one of Britain’s most recognisable food TV personalities, known as much for his longstanding role as MasterChef co-host as for his vivacious personality and candid life stories. His rise from humble beginnings to national TV stardom, coupled with recent controversy, reveals a multifaceted journey marked by achievement, resilience, and adversity.
Early Life & Family
Greg Wallace was born in Peckham in South London in 1964 and had a difficult start to life. He left school at the age of fifteen to work at Covent Garden’s fruit market. At the very beginning of his career, he became involved in the food industry, which helped him develop an entrepreneurial spirit that led to George Allan’s Greengrocers, which reached a turnover of £7.5million at its peak.
Wallace’s personal life is just as eventful. He has been married four times:
- Christine (first wife): a brief marriage lasting mere weeks.
- Denise Lovall (second wife): a pastry chef, with whom he shares two children, Tom and Libby.
- Heidi Brown (third wife): a biology teacher, whose marriage ended after 15 months.
- Anne-Marie Sterpini (fourth and current wife): a caterer, 22 years his junior. They met on Twitter, married in 2016 and have a son named Sid, who has been diagnosed with autism.
Through ups and downs, Wallace built a strong family bond; his Kent farmhouse home includes not only his wife and son but also Anne-Marie’s parents, creating a close-knit support system.
Career Evolution: From Market Seller to Prime-Time TV
Gregg Wallace’s business foundation gave way to a prolific media career. After establishing his greengrocer business, he transitioned to BBC Radio 4’s Veg Talk, co-presenting with Charlie Hicks. This marked his first major step into broadcasting.
His breakthrough in television came with MasterChef, a show he co-hosted for nearly 20 years alongside John Torode. Wallace helped reinvigorate the competition format, bringing his exuberant style, trademark laugh, and candid opinions to millions of viewers. He became a staple of British food television, presenting Celebrity MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Saturday Kitchen, Eat Well for Less, and Inside the Factory. His TV work extended to travel and family-focused programs as well.
Gregg Wallace also ran restaurant ventures: Wallace & Co. in Putney and Gregg’s Bar & Grill in Bermondsey. Both ultimately closed, but reflected his passion for connecting people with food beyond the screen.
Writing and Personal Advocacy
Alongside his television work, Wallace authored several successful cookbooks, contributed to magazines, and wrote his acclaimed autobiography, “Life on a Plate”. In recent years, he’s promoted health and fitness through his own platform, GreggWallace.health, motivated by personal struggles with cholesterol and a determination to lose weight. Wallace lost 30kg following a strict regimen and has become a vocal advocate for sustainable health habits.
As a father to Sid, he openly shares his journey through parenting a child with autism. His advocacy for autism awareness is rooted in personal experience and pride.
Achievements and Recognition
Gregg Wallace’s contributions have been recognised with numerous accolades:
- MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to food broadcasting.
- Nearly two decades as MasterChef co-host.
- Multiple bestselling cookbooks and popular media columns.
- A thriving greengrocer business and continuing health advocacy.
Controversy and BBC Investigation
A major BBC investigation took place due to Gregg Wallace’s conduct, which ended his distinguished TV career (2024-2025). In excess of 80 allegations over a period of a decade were made concerning inappropriate sexual language, jokes and behaviour in the workplace. After an investigation that lasted seven months and looked at 83 complaints, and interviewing 41 complainants and 78 witnesses, the BBC has corroborated 45 allegations.
The fallout was swift. The BBC called it “untenable” and cut ties after almost twenty years as a result of the volume and nature of complaints. The production company Banijay backed this up, stressing the need for a secure and welcoming workplace.
Wallace admitted to his behaviour during a public address, but denied the most serious allegations against him. He blamed some misunderstandings on workplace adaptation problems, especially after his own later autism diagnosis. The probe and his dismissal put Wallace under huge personal and professional strain; he spoke about mental health issues and getting crisis support.
Relationships, Family Dynamics, and Health
Despite the turmoil, Wallace’s relationship with Anne-Marie Sterpini and involvement with his autistic son, Sid, remain central to his life. The couple’s partnership has weathered public scrutiny and adversity, highlighted by Wallace’s open embrace of Sid’s milestones and Anne-Marie’s unwavering support.
Wallace’s commitment to personal health is notable. Triggered by health risks and the encouragement of Anne-Marie, he lost over 30kg, swapped unhealthy habits for regular exercise, and has since educated others through his showme. fit and GreggWallace. Health platforms.
Financial Status
Amid professional setbacks, Wallace’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $5 million (£3.6 million), a reflection of his sprawling career, television earnings, business ventures, book royalties, and speaking engagements. The recent controversies have posed new risks to his financial future, yet his Kent property and ongoing ventures provide stability.
Personal Insights and Resilience
Wallace’s story is one of clear triumphs and deep challenges. His journey from market stallholder to national celebrity, and then through public reckoning, demonstrates both adaptability and vulnerability. Throughout, he’s maintained a strong family presence and continued to inspire through health advocacy and honest self-reflection.
FAQs About Gregg Wallace
Who is Gregg Wallace?
Gregg Wallace is a British broadcaster, writer, and entrepreneur best known for co-hosting MasterChef and other food TV shows. He started as a Covent Garden market seller and built a successful career in media and business.
What led to Gregg Wallace’s departure from the BBC?
Wallace was dismissed following a BBC investigation that substantiated 45 allegations of inappropriate conduct at work, including sexual language and jokes. This made his position on MasterChef and other BBC programs “untenable”.
What is his family situation?
Wallace is married to Anne-Marie Sterpini, a caterer, and they have a son named Sid, who is autistic. He also has two older children, Tom and Libby, from previous marriages.
Has Gregg Wallace spoken publicly about the controversy?
Yes, Wallace has expressed regret about some workplace behaviours, denied the most serious allegations, and attributed some adaptation struggles to his late autism diagnosis and evolving workplace norms.
What are Gregg Wallace’s achievements?
He has hosted MasterChef and other major TV shows for nearly 20 years, published bestselling books, earned an MBE, advocated for autism and health, and built a multimillion-pound greengrocer business.
How has he dealt with personal health challenges?
Wallace lost over 30kg after receiving a high cholesterol warning, transforming his lifestyle and encouraging thousands through his health website. He now emphasises consistent, realistic health habits.
What is his net worth?
Wallace’s net worth is estimated at $5million (£3.6million) as of 2025, primarily stemming from television, books, business ventures, and public speaking.
How has his autism diagnosis affected him?
Wallace revealed his autism diagnosis in 2024. He says it has helped him understand himself better and contributed to new perspectives on workplace behaviour, parenting, and advocacy.
Will Gregg Wallace return to TV?
As of now, Wallace’s TV career is on hold following the BBC’s statement that his return is “untenable”. He is currently focusing on family, health, work, and private business ventures.
What legacy does Gregg Wallace leave behind?
Wallace’s legacy is a blend of entertaining millions, inspiring health transformations, and advocating for neurodiversity. His openness and frankness, both in achievement and adversity, make him a compelling figure in the British media.
Gregg Wallace’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and raw accountability. Whether as a food icon, a father, or a man facing turmoil, his journey is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome and to learn from stardom and challenge alike.
