Gregg Wallace, 60, has opened up about the financial difficulties he’s faced since being sacked by the BBC in July last year following accusations of inappropriate behaviour during his time as co-host of MasterChef. The former TV star, who was previously earning a reported £400,000 a year, has now admitted to scaling back his spending drastically.
In a candid post shared on Instagram, Gregg revealed that he is no longer “scared about money” for the first time in a long time. “We’re breaking even, we don’t have to dip into our savings, which is nice,” he said, explaining that he and his wife, Anne-Marie, had worked hard to lower their expenses. “We budget for everything and then have a small celebration if we come under budget,” he added.
A New Financial Reality
Since his departure from the BBC, Gregg has been forced to adapt, earning money through life coaching and making personalized videos for fans on Cameo. He also dropped his £10,000 lawsuit against the BBC in February for “distress and harassment,” a decision he now describes as part of his journey towards financial recovery.
Gregg expressed gratitude for the work he still has, sharing, “I’ve got an income now. I coach people on healthy lifestyles, and although people take the mickey, Cameo has also been really good for us.” He went on to say that he and Anne-Marie are looking forward to “simple family holidays,” a stark contrast to the lavish lifestyle he once led.
A Message of Financial Humility
Gregg offered some advice to his followers, saying, “Don’t upset yourself by trying to achieve things that you can’t afford. Work hard on creating a lifestyle you’ll enjoy and that you can afford.” His words were meant to encourage others to focus on what they can control and avoid the pressures of keeping up with a lifestyle beyond their means.
Public Reaction: Praise and Criticism
Gregg’s post, while well-received by some, left others divided. Some praised his honesty, with one fan commenting, “Lovely words, Gregg. Family comes first.” However, others pointed out that, given his previous lucrative salary, it may be hard for the public to relate to his financial concerns. “You must be a multi-millionaire. You will never worry where the next meal is coming from,” one person remarked. Another added, “Who cares about your finances? So weird that you’re sharing this information with the public.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Gregg’s vulnerability in sharing his financial struggles paints a more relatable picture for fans, showing how even well-known figures face challenges behind the scenes.
