Dave Gorman Scraps Entire Episode of New Show Due to Gregg Wallace Controversy
Popular comedian Dave Gorman has revealed that he was forced to shelve an entire episode of his highly anticipated new series,
Modern Life is Goodish, after it prominently featured former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace.
The decision to scrap the episode came in light of recent allegations against Wallace, which resulted in him stepping down from his long-standing television role.
Gorman, known for his unique blend of comedy and observational humor,
was preparing for the revival of his hit show when he realized one of the four recorded episodes was no longer suitable for broadcast.
According to the comedian, the episode in question focused heavily on Wallace, making up approximately 75% of the content. Given the serious nature of the allegations, Gorman decided it would be inappropriate to air it.
The Unfortunate Cut
Speaking to The Guardian, Gorman explained the structure of the episode, which revolved around him creating a fictional product requiring celebrity endorsement. Wallace had been enlisted to film a mock advertisement for the product, and the segment was crafted in a lighthearted, affectionate manner. However, with Wallace now at the center of controversy, Gorman admitted there was no way to salvage the episode without completely dismantling it.
“We made four [episodes], but one of them is 75 percent about Gregg Wallace. It’s in the bin,” he stated. “It’s sort of taking the p**s out of him but in a very loving way, tongue in cheek.” Despite the comedic intent behind the segment, the unfolding scandal meant that airing the episode was no longer viable.
Wallace’s Allegations and Departure
Wallace, who had been a staple on MasterChef alongside John Torode since 2005, stepped down from the BBC show in November following multiple complaints of inappropriate behavior. While Wallace has strongly denied the allegations, legal representatives for the TV personality have also dismissed claims that he engaged in any form of sexual harassment.
The accusations against Wallace include reports of making inappropriate sexual jokes, requesting the phone numbers of female production team members, and allegedly undressing too close to women on set. Additionally, three women have accused him of groping them in separate incidents. High-profile broadcaster Kirsty Wark further alleged that Wallace made inappropriate sexualized jokes on two occasions in front of both contestants and crew members.
Celebrity Reactions and Public Outcry
Wallace’s alleged misconduct has drawn strong reactions from both the entertainment industry and the public. Legendary musician Sir Rod Stewart publicly called out the former MasterChef presenter, accusing him of humiliating Stewart’s wife, Penny Lancaster, when she appeared as a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021.
“So Gregg Wallace gets fired from MasterChef. Good riddance Wallace… You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that bit cut out, didn’t you? You’re a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya,” Stewart wrote in a scathing post.
The Future of Modern Life is Goodish
Despite the loss of one episode, Gorman remains excited about the upcoming relaunch of Modern Life is Goodish. The series, which originally aired between 2013 and 2017, combines stand-up comedy with PowerPoint presentations to humorously dissect modern cultural oddities. The new season is set to return with three completed episodes, ensuring fans can still enjoy Gorman’s signature comedic approach.
While the decision to scrap the Wallace-centered episode was not an easy one, Gorman’s commitment to handling the situation with sensitivity demonstrates his awareness of the broader implications of airing potentially problematic content. As for Wallace, he continues to maintain his innocence, but the controversy surrounding him has undoubtedly impacted his professional career.
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