TV presenter Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef after the BBC received complaints from individuals about historical allegations of misconduct.

Wallace, who lives in Biddenden, near Ashford, is “committed to fully cooperating throughout the process”, a statement from the show’s production company Banijay UK to the PA news agency said.

The BBC sent a letter to Wallace’s representatives on Tuesday setting out allegations of inappropriate sexual comments by 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period.

Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011, said he told "sexualised" jokes during filming, BBC News reports.

Wark, who is best known for hosting BBC Newsnight, claimed that on two occasions, during early morning filming, Wallace told stories and jokes of "sexualised nature" in front of contestants and crew.

She said she feels strongly that the comments were "really, really in the wrong place".

Wallace is further alleged to have taken his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to "give her a fashion show", and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans.

Wallace's lawyers say it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.

A statement from Banijay UK said: “This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.

“Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate.

“While this review is underway, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully cooperating throughout the process.”

The 60-year-old lives in a mansion in the Kent village with his wife Anne-Marie and son Sid.

Banijay UK continued: “Our duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set.

“Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”

The statement added: “If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.”