EMBATTLED MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace apologised today after claiming that complaints about his behaviour came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age.”

The 60-year-old’s response to various allegations, including that that had made “inappropriate sexual jokes,” sparked a furious backlash at the weekend.

Downing Street described the comments as “misogynistic” and former Celebrity MasterChef contestants Ulrika Jonsson, Kirstie Allsopp and Emma Kennedy also criticised them.

In a new Instagram video, Mr Wallace said: “I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post today and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people.

“I wasn’t in a good headspace when I posted it. I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion. I felt very alone, under siege today when I posted it.

“It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope you will accept this apology.”

Mr Wallace faces allegations from 13 people across a range of shows covering a 17-year period, BBC News revealed last Thursday.

The broadcaster announced that he is to step away from the hit cooking show while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by its producer Banijay UK.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy had held talks with BBC bosses over the investigation and “wider workplace culture issues,” adding that the decision on whether take MasterChef off air was for the BBC.

Allegations about Mr Wallace’s behaviour on Channel 5’s Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends have also been made by staff members to BBC News.

Philippa Childs, head of broadcasting union Bectu, said that “time and again” misogyny, intimidation, ageism and sexual harassment “continue to run rampant in the creative industries, propped up by inadequate reporting mechanisms, a lack of accountability and an industry that enables extreme power dynamics and ‘untouchable’ talent.”

She said reports of previous internal BBC investigations finding aspects of Mr Wallace unacceptable were “deeply troubling,” adding: “Unless the industry draws a line in the sand and collectively takes meaningful action, we will be in the same place next week, in six months, a year’s time.

“The whole industry should now give the newly established Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority their full practical, financial and vocal support.”

According to Mr Wallace’s lawyers, “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”