Gregg Wallace. A Recipe For Disaster

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With the accusations surrounding MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace, Richard & Marina look at the accusations and what’s behind the headlines. Moana 2 looks set to be a huge hit for Pixar, but what can fans expect from the sequel? Two very different TV documentaries are on the way. Game of Throws, explores the world of darts and the colourful characters within the sport, whilst in Meet the Rees-Moggs we go inside the home of former-Conservative MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg. Are they the new Kardashians?
Producer: Neil Fearn + Joey McCarthy
Executive Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

Inside This Episode

Gregg Wallace Allegations
The episode delves into allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Gregg Wallace, known for hosting MasterChef and its spin-offs. Complaints against him include making sexualised remarks and gestures, creating a difficult working environment for some colleagues. Co-hosts reflect on Wallace’s public handling of the allegations, particularly his claim that the complaints came predominantly from “middle-class women of a certain age,” which they critique as both inaccurate and counterproductive.
Gregg Wallace’s PR Missteps
A video released by Wallace on Instagram, described as a “PR gaffe,” sparked further backlash by dismissing his critics as privileged and out of touch. The co-hosts emphasise the cultural naivety of alienating his core audience, primarily middle-class viewers of MasterChef. They suggest that Wallace’s comments may have prolonged the controversy and made his return to public favour even more challenging.
Scandals and Complaint Processes in UK Media
The discussion broadens to examine how entertainment scandals unfold in the UK, often involving delayed responses from organisations like the BBC. The hosts highlight systemic issues, such as the lack of direct oversight by broadcasters, with production companies handling complaints internally. They advocate for more transparency and external oversight to protect whistleblowers and ensure accountability.
Comparison of Two Documentaries
The co-hosts review Meet the Rees Moggs, a fly-on-the-wall documentary about Jacob Rees-Mogg and his family, and Game of Throws, a behind-the-scenes look at professional darts. While they find the Rees-Mogg documentary lacking stakes and depth, they praise the darts film for its emotional resonance and portrayal of working-class Britain. Both documentaries offer contrasting narratives: one rooted in privilege and detachment, the other in grit and ambition.
Praise for the Game of Throws Darts Documentary
Described as “compelling,” the darts documentary showcases the high-stakes world of professional darts through the stories of Luke Humphreys and Luke Littler. It examines their personal journeys, blending sporting drama with human interest. The film’s ability to capture the underrepresented working-class culture makes it a standout example of meaningful sports storytelling.
Current Box Office Successes
The box office discussion celebrates the extraordinary success of Moana 2, which earned $221 million in five days, setting a Thanksgiving weekend record. Wicked and Gladiator 2 also contributed to a highly lucrative holiday box office, collectively grossing $422 million in the US. The hosts reflect on how family-friendly films continue to dominate the box office, highlighting Disney’s strategic pivot to theatrical releases.
Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza the Musical
The hosts briefly explore this unconventional marketing strategy, which featured Doja Cat and Dolly Parton in a musical streamed exclusively on Taco Bell’s social media platforms. This unique project exemplifies how brands are leveraging original entertainment to engage audiences. Its inclusion underscores the growing intersection of corporate branding and media production.
Book Recommendations
Marina Hyde recommends The Peep Show by Kate Summerscale, a meticulously researched true crime account of the 10 Rillington Place murders. Richard Osman suggests Box Office Poison by Tim Robey, a humorous exploration of Hollywood’s biggest financial flops.

Media Mentions

Movies

Moana 2
Gladiator 2
Wicked
Wish (Disney film)
10 Rillington Place

Television Shows

Meet the Rees Moggs
Game of Throws (professional darts documentary)

Books

The Peepshow by Kate Summerscale
Box Office Poison by Tim Robey

Music/Other Media

Mexican Pizza the Musical (sponsored by Taco Bell)

Hot Takes

“Coming belatedly to the Star Wars of vomiting.”
“Going to war with middle-class women of a certain age… who do you think watches you?”
“Middle-class, middle-aged women are the least snowflakey people I’ve ever met.”
“Gregg Wallace is the Samuel L. Jackson of the MasterChef cinematic universe.”
“Darts represented a Britain that is sort of not represented as much as it might be.”
“Moana 2 has set the biggest Thanksgiving opening of all time.”
“Wish… did really badly. Who wanted to know the story of the star all the princesses wished upon?”
“Books are the greatest Christmas presents of all.”

Who’s Who

Gregg Wallace – British TV presenter known for MasterChef.
Jacob Rees-Mogg – British politician and prominent Conservative MP.
Kirsty Wark – Scottish journalist and broadcaster.
Luke Humphries – Professional darts player competing at the world level.
Luke Littler – Rising star in professional darts, known as “The Nuke.”
Barry Hearn – Sports promoter and founder of Matchroom Sport.
Denzel Washington – Academy Award-winning American actor.
Paul Mescal – Irish actor acclaimed for roles in Normal People and Aftersun.
Pedro Pascal – Chilean-American actor known for The Mandalorian and The Last of Us.
Emily Bear – singer songwriter best known for The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical
Abigail Barlow – singer-songwriter best known for The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical

Notable Numbers

13 complaints initially reported against Gregg Wallace, with more surfacing.
Moana 2 earned $221M over five days, the biggest Thanksgiving opening ever.
$422M total box office from Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator 2 during Thanksgiving week.
Mexican Pizza the Musical was produced for $10M versus Red One’s $250M budget.