Dan Merriman, who won the latest series of the professional version of the cooking competition, has spoken out
The recent winner of MasterChef: The Professionals has leapt to the defence of Gregg Wallace after he stepped away from the show amid a BBC investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct, which he firmly disputes. Last month, Gregg stepped away from his role on the popular cooking programme after facing several allegations concerning improper sexual comments and behaviour—claims he strongly denies, with his legal team asserting: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
Despite the controversy, Gregg appeared in the grand finale episode of MasterChef: The Professionals yesterday (December 12), which was pre-recorded before the complaints came to light. Lancashire’s own culinary wizard, Dan Merriman, who scooped the title, spoke highly of Gregg to The Times, saying his experience was utterly “great”.
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“My experience was utterly great. He’s a happy-go-lucky kind of bloke, very encouraging and very supportive. He gave me some great comments and feedback.”
Following his September triumph, Dan came home to a humorous surprise—a life-size cardboard cut-out of the London-born judge—courtesy of his partner, watching over their celebratory curry feast, reports Devon Live.
He fondly remembered: “I came back, and it was just my partner Chloe here, and I walked into the front room and there were balloons everywhere, party poppers, a bottle of wine and an Indian takeaway on the table, and there in the corner was a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Gregg Wallace with a party hat on top.”
Previously, Dan had spent time honing his culinary skills at the Michelin-starred Northcote restaurant in Langho, near Blackburn. He chose to step away in pursuit of a position that offered him a more balanced lifestyle.
In a candid moment, he reflected: “You’ve got two professional idols: Marcus Wareing is serious, he’s there for the win; and you’ve got Monica who brings a bit of nurturing to the table. And then you’ve got Gregg who is just a normal person. Obviously he is who he is, but you haven’t got that pressure of cooking for a legend who you watched on Boiling Point, or a Samoan ambassador. He’s just the veg guy.”
Regarding the recent headlines involving Gregg, he commented: “At the end of the day the programme is all about the contestants.
“The support from the public and social media has been overwhelming,” he said, emphasising that recent events shouldn’t overshadow the show. “We’ve had a lot of support from the public, from social media, and I don’t feel like it’s been overshadowed. Nor should it be. It shouldn’t take away from the achievements of any one of the 32 chefs who took part.”