MasterChef's Gregg Wallace has spoken for the first time after stepping away amid an investigation into historic misconduct allegations.

Television host Gregg Wallace is to step down as the presenter of the U.K. version of “MasterChef” while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated. The show airs on public broadcaster BBC.

Gregg Wallace is to step away from presenting MasterChef while allegations of historical misconduct by individuals are investigated, the show's production company has said. It comes after BBC News sent a letter to Wallace’s representatives on Tuesday setting out allegations of inappropriate sexual comments by 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period.