Downing Street said it was 'essential' that staff and the wider public have confidence that the BBC are taking allegations seriously

The British government’s culture secretary has held talks with the BBC as the broadcaster comes under growing scrutiny after one of its TV hosts drew an angry backlash for dismissing sexual misconduct

The Gregg Wallace saga has reached the highest echelons of UK government. A Downing Street spokesperson just told the BBC that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has held talks with BBC bosses in the wake of a BBC News investigation into Wallace’s behavior.

The MasterChef presenter said the claims have come from ‘a handful of middle-class women of a certain age’ in an Instagram post.

The Culture Secretary has held talks with the BBC as the channel faces calls to pull an episode due to air tonight

Greg Wallace has issued an apology after being accused of making inappropriate sexual remarks and jokes by 13 people over a 17 year period.

Gregg Wallace's response to misconduct allegations on MasterChef and other BBC shows have been described as "misogynistic" by Downing Street

Downing Street has said Gregg Wallace’s response to the accusations being made against him was “inappropriate and misogynistic”. The MasterChef presenter, who faces various allegations of making “inappropriate sexual jokes” and complaints about his behaviour, has said the claims have come from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”.

A Downing Street spokesperson has weighed in on “MasterChef” U.K. host Gregg Wallace’s response to misconduct allegations against him, calling it “inappropriate and misogynistic.” According to BBC News,

BBC News revealed allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and behaviour against the MasterChef presenter, with the complainants a range of ages.