Gregg Wallace's New Venture: From TV Chef to Cameo Star
Gregg Wallace, the former host of the popular BBC cooking show MasterChef, has embarked on a lucrative new career path. According to recent reports, Wallace is now generating substantial income by creating personalised video messages for fans on the platform Cameo. This shift comes after his departure from the BBC last summer, following a review that upheld several complaints about his behaviour on the show.
A Financial Windfall from Personalised Content
Sources indicate that Wallace is set to earn an impressive £20,000 per month through his Cameo activities. This figure represents over half of the reported £400,000 annual salary he previously earned at the BBC. The 61-year-old has been actively promoting his services on social media, including offering timely Valentine's Day greetings with promises of delivery within an hour.
In a recent Instagram post, Wallace addressed his followers directly, stating: 'Right, look, it's Valentine's Day, right? Now, if you've messed up, if you've forgotten to get a card, I can do a Cameo Valentine's message for you.' This approach demonstrates his savvy use of current events to drive engagement and sales.
Cameo: A Platform for Celebrity Connections
Cameo is a digital service that allows fans to request customised videos from various celebrities, ranging from actors like John Cusack to television personalities. Wallace has quickly risen to prominence on the platform, currently holding the seventh position among creators. He charges £36.62 per video, with his profile encouraging users to make special occasions unforgettable through personalised messages.
His Cameo biography reads: 'Whether it's a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or a long-awaited reunion, make it unforgettable with a one-of-a-kind Cameo video from Gregg Wallace. You'll have the chance to customise your request for Gregg Wallace, like asking them to mention inside jokes, share words of wisdom, or work in their signature catchphrases.'
Reflections and Controversies
Since leaving MasterChef, Wallace has been open about his experiences, including writing a Substack article where he reflected on mistakes and apologised for any upset caused. He has also spoken publicly about his late autism diagnosis, claiming that 'nothing was done to protect him' in what he described as a 'dangerous environment.'
This revelation led to legal actions, with Wallace initially considering a lawsuit against the BBC for alleged autism discrimination. He later filed a data protection claim seeking up to £10,000 in damages, arguing that the BBC's failure to provide copies of his personal data caused significant distress. The BBC has since responded, stating that Wallace is not entitled to any damages regarding his High Court claim.
Personal Life Amid Professional Changes
Amid these professional developments, Wallace has maintained an active personal presence online. He recently shared a heartfelt post dedicated to his wife, Anna Wallace, celebrating their 13-year relationship. This content appears alongside cooking clips and discussions about his autism diagnosis, painting a multifaceted picture of his current life.
As Wallace continues to navigate his post-BBC career, his success on Cameo highlights a growing trend of celebrities leveraging digital platforms for direct fan engagement and revenue generation. The Metro has reached out to Gregg Wallace for further comment on his new venture and ongoing activities.
