BBC viewers were left underwhelmed when Paddy McGuinness stepped in for Gregg Wallace on Inside the Factory.
The Take Me Out host replaced Gregg, who departed from the programme in 2023 amidst allegations of “inappropriate banter” with female colleagues over their appearances.
On the episode that aired on Tuesday, Paddy visited Warburtons bread factory in Bolton reports the Mirror, a site reminiscent of his own early work experiences.
Audience reaction on social media was swift and critical, with one viewer saying, “Just doesn’t give off the same vibes. I’ve never liked Gregg but I’m not liking Paddy in this role either.”
Another added, “I’m sorry, I can’t watch this programme anymore whilst McGuinness is hosting it. He killed Top Gear, he wrecked A Question of Sport, and now apparently they want him to do the same to Inside the Factory – why? ? ” The sentiment was echoed by another: “Gregg Wallace could be irritating but they have replaced him with an even more irritating t***! Of all the people they could have chosen, they chose Paddy McGuinness.”
Calls for Gregg’s return were popular as someone posted: “Come back Gregg, all is forgiven #insidethefactory.” Meanwhile, someone else implored, “Bring back Gregg Wallace, way better than Paddy.”
However, some viewers backed Paddy as the “right man for the job”, with several applauding his new role. One viewer tweeted: “I enjoyed Paddy on #insidethefactory tonight. Yes, I admit he did mention the fact he’d worked there just once or twice, but, in future weeks, all will be well.”
Gregg quit Inside the Factory in March 2023 following contentious comments aimed at female Nestle workers during filming, according to the Express.
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Insiders claimed that he was “rude towards staff’ and addressed them in a “derogatory manner, especially to women”. The former MasterChef host denied these allegations, stating his exit after seven series was due to wanting more quality time with his son.
Responding to the allegations, a spokesperson for Gregg stated: “We refer to you the original statement which makes clear his reasons for not continuing filming the series.” Announcing his departure at the time, Gregg expressed: “As viewers know, to say I find the inside of factories fascinating is an understatement.
“I’ve never failed to be amazed by the scale of production, whether it’s conveyor belts full of tiny sweets or a double decker bus rolling out of the factory for the very first time. For me, filming the show alongside my other TV and family commitments has always been a balance and as my son Sid’s needs become more challenging, I’ve decided the time has come to hang up my hairnet.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t watch this programme anymore whilst McGuinness is hosting it. He killed Top Gear, he wrecked A Question of Sport, and now apparently they want him to do the same to inside the factory -why? ?,” chimed someone else.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain to discuss his departure, he clarified: “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.”
Continuing, he said, “If you look at the headlines you can’t see a story that matches those headlines, but there was an issue, I don’t want to discuss what the issue was but I thought that is a good time.”
Gregg Wallace left MasterChef in November 2024 following historical allegations about his behaviour spanning 17 years from 13 individuals.
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