2 weeks Ago By James Brinsford, John O'Sullivan
Former MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has aimed pointed criticism at the ready meal industry, blaming it for Britain's obesity epidemic - an issue that can, according to experts, be combated by eating a key meal - a problem also facing the United States, where Weight Watchers have faced major difficulties in recent times , where a study has shown that people can lose weight without dieting or exercising with three simple changes . This comes just after Wallace announced his own line of premium ready meals. The 60-year-old food expert left his role on the hit cooking show in November 2024 amid misconduct allegations, which Wallace's legal representatives vehemently denied.
Both the BBC and production company Banijay UK are investigating the alleged incidents of sexual harassment that have cast a cloud over Wallace's career. Striking a controversial note, Gregg decried the nutritional pitfalls of convenience foods in a recent article shared on his site, paradoxically following his entry into the bustling frozen meal sector, where his creations fetch upwards of $10 each, reports the Mirror . On his blog, Wallace mused: "We live now in an age where food is available to us 24 hours of the day.
Now some may say this is a good thing, it's progress." He continued: "Some could well argue that being able to phone for your meals or grab a ready-made meal that just needs to be microwaved or even grabbing for a sandwich, is a positive thing." He then highlighted a diet dilemma: "The obvious problem with this is, the rise of the snack and the takeaway culture has gone hand in hand with the rise of obesity and record numbers of type two diabetes.
" The irony isn't lost on observers as this scathing critique comes despite Gregg's own venture into the market with his pricey meals which launched in January - costing $10 individually or eight for $69. Promoting his range, he has pitched them as: "Delicious, Nutritious Ready Meals that taste so good you might not believe they're healthy! "Kick start your New Year's resolution with delicious, healthy and filling meals. Note: We don't currently deliver to the Scottish Highlands, Channel Islands, or Northern Ireland.
" One of the meals on offer is a curry, with Gregg telling prospective customers: "Experience a flavourful and satisfying meal with our homemade frozen Chicken and Mushroom Curry. Made with spicy chicken and savory mushrooms, this 500g ready meal also includes nutritious brown rice. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner option.
" Wallace stepped down from MasterChef in October after allegations of gross misconduct, including making inappropriate sexual comments and engaging in bullying behavior. The BBC launched an investigation into the claims. In November, it was announced that he would be replaced on the Celebrity MasterChef judging panel by restaurant critic Grace Dent, who will join John Torode.
The news came after Penny Lancaster claimed she was a "victim of bullying and harassment" by Wallace. Gregg previously dismissed the complaints as coming from "a handful of middle-class women of a certain age." His comments were widely criticized by public figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who condemned his remarks as inappropriate and misogynistic.
Meanwhile, Gregg's lawyers were previously quoted by BBC News as saying: "It is entirely false that he engages in behavior of a sexually harassing nature." DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter..
