BBC viewers were less than impressed when Paddy McGuinness took over Gregg Wallace’s presenting duties on Inside the Factory.
The Take Me Out star filled in for Gregg, 60, who left the show in 2023 following claims of “inappropriate banter” with female staff about their weight.
On Tuesday’s episode (January 7), Paddy, 51, returned to his roots with a trip to the Warburtons bread factory in Bolton, where he once had a Saturday job.
However, fans were quick to voice their disapproval on social media, with one viewer commenting: “Just doesn’t give off the same vibes. I’ve never liked Gregg but I’m not liking Paddy in this role either.”
Another was more cutting, saying: “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??”
A third chimed in: “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.”
There were many who pleaded Gregg return to the show as one person commented: “Come back Gregg, all is forgiven #insidethefactory.” Another wrote: “Bring back Gregg Wallace, way better than Paddy.”
However, some viewers endorsed Paddy as the “right man for the job” with some praising his new role. One person 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 resigned from Inside the Factory in March 2023 following controversial remarks directed at female workers at Nestle during filming, reports the Express.
Sources alleged that he was “rude towards staff’ and spoke to them in a “derogatory manner, especially to women”. The ex-MasterChef host refuted these claims, stating his departure after seven seasons was due to wanting more quality time with his son.
Reacting 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.”
When probed on Good Morning Britain about the actual reason behind his exit, 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.”
“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 made his exit from MasterChef in November 2024, following historical allegations about his conduct over a span of 17 years, brought forward by 13 individuals.
Inside the Factory is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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