Masterchef star Gregg Wallace reveals he was sexually abused as a child

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Gregg Wallace, known for appearing on Masterchef, has revealed that he was abused as a child in the sixties.

In his new autobiography, he reveals how a friend of the family took advantage when he was just eight.

Wallace said his babysitter’s husband kissed him after declaring he would “show you what happens when you get a girlfriend”.

He described how it was his ex-wife Heidi who persuaded him to reveal the secret:

"Heidi said at the time, ‘You really should.’ She said, ‘It shows paedophiles are not terrifying people, they’re friendly, happy nice people’."

It's estimated that 80% of children who are sexually abused know their abuser (i.e. a family friend, babysitter or neighbour).