Chef Ben Palmer is a familiar face on screens, having starred in the 's and winning the Great British Menu in 2024. Since July 2018, he has enjoyed immense success at his restaurant in Looe, The Sardine Factory, which he first launched.

Ben received a fresh wave of diners as after the eatery featured in BBC's beloved murder mystery drama, . In an exclusive interview with the Daily Express, the chef reflected on his early days after first starring in MasterChef and addressed Gregg Wallace's misconduct allegations. This comes after of inappropriate behaviour and misconduct while working on various programmes over 17 years.

Since last year, Wallace has remained under investigation for the misconduct claims made against him, which are being reviewed by the show's production company, Banijay UK

In a statement to BBC News, his legal team has said: "It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature."

Reflecting on his time on MasterChef, which his hosted by Wallace, Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing, Ben Palmer said: "I was on Master Chef in 2011, so it was quite a long time ago."

He explained: "For me, he was just a MasterChef judge, and he had a job to do.

"I believe whatever kind of happened with him was in terms of, I don't know if it was kind of contestant related, it was kind of more behind the scenes, so I didn't see or experience any of that."

The chef added: "So for me, I was there to be in a competition, so I always had my head down, I was very focused, and I wasn't aware of any of that if I'm being really honest."

Following the allegations, Wallace has stepped down from his TV roles and is said to be enjoying "some time at home" with his friends and family.

However, away from MasterChef, and launched a new line of "healthy" frozen microwave meals through his health and fitness firm, GreggWallace.Health

The company are advertising the range of dishes which will set customers back £8 each for his creations.