Gregg Wallace puffs on a cigar as he’s seen for first time since his Inside The Factory replacement was revealed
GREGG Wallace was seen puffing on a cigar after his replacement for Inside the Factor was revealed.
The celebrity chef, 58, announced earlier this year he was departing the BBC Two show.
Broadcast magazine has reported that former Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness is in ‘pole position’ to take over the role.
Following the news, Gregg was spotted puffing away on his fat cigar while out dining with a friend at popular celeb haunt, the Scott’s Restaurant in London.
He was pictured hugging his pal as he wore black sunglasses before turning and smiling for the camera.
Gregg announced his departure from Inside the Factory earlier this year and admitted there was a behind the scenes ‘issue’.
But then in May, it was reported that the real reason he stood down from his role was because he had ‘offended female staff’ with ‘inappropriate banter’ at one of the factories.
He has broken his silence on the situation during an appearance on Good Morning Britain.
Speaking to presenters Richard Madeley and Kate Garraway on the show, the star said: “I left. I have got a little boy called Sid who at the moment is non-verbal, he is still in nappies.
“He has got learning difficulties, I am an ambassador now for Ambitious about Autism, mum needed help there.
“There was an argument inside the factory, the reporting isn’t accurate. There was an issue, I thought that is the perfect time to come out. Offending people in the factory, no.”
Paddy McGuinness hasn’t publicly commented on the reports he will take over hosting duties from Gregg.
It would be a big move for Paddy,50, as it would see him secure yet another high profile BBC gig.
Paddy hosts Top Gear and I Can See Your Voice for the broadcaster but with the motoring show recently thrown in the air after co-star Freddie Flintoff’s horror accident and the singing game show not receiving another series – Inside The Factory could be the perfect gig to keep the funnyman at the top.