Anne-Marie Sterpini is a British caterer, cookbook author, and media personality who is best known as the wife of former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace. Born in 1986, Sterpini rose to public prominence following her relationship and subsequent marriage to Wallace in 2016. She has since co-authored culinary literature and actively advocated for autism awareness alongside her family.
Early Life and Background
Anne-Marie Sterpini was born in the United Kingdom in 1986 to an Italian-heritage family. Raised with strong cultural ties to Italy, she developed a deep passion for traditional Italian cuisine from a young age under the guidance of her parents.
Her formative years were heavily influenced by her mother, Rina Sterpini, who instilled a foundational understanding of authentic regional cooking. This culinary upbringing eventually shaped her professional aspirations and technical expertise within the food industry.
Professional Catering Career
Before entering the public eye, Sterpini established a professional career within the catering and food service industry. She utilized her background in Italian culinary arts to work on diverse hospitality projects across the United Kingdom.
Her practical experience in food preparation and menu planning provided a technical foundation that later transitioned into media-based culinary projects. This background differentiated her public persona as a knowledgeable food professional rather than solely a media figure companion.
Meeting Gregg Wallace
Anne-Marie Sterpini first connected with TV presenter Gregg Wallace in 2013 via the social media platform Twitter (now X). The initial interaction began when Sterpini sent a direct public message asking Wallace if rhubarb and duck were a viable culinary combination after watching him discuss it on a television broadcast.
The digital conversation evolved into direct messaging, culminating in a first date at a restaurant in London later that year. The pair dated for three years, frequently appearing together at high-profile culinary events and public red carpets across England.
The Hever Castle Wedding
The couple officially married on August 6, 2016, during a private ceremony at Hever Castle in Kent, England. The historic venue hosted numerous prominent figures from the British television and culinary industries.
MasterChef co-host John Torode served as Wallace’s best man, emphasizing the close personal and professional bonds surrounding the couple. The wedding coverage was exclusively featured in major British lifestyle publications, marking Sterpini’s formal transition into mainstream media interest.
The Age Gap Discussion
Sterpini and Wallace share a 21-year age difference, a topic that has drawn consistent media coverage and public commentary since their relationship began. Public records confirm Sterpini was 30 years old at the time of their 2016 wedding, while Wallace was 51.
Both partners have addressed the age gap publicly in broadcast interviews, stating that mutual respect and shared lifestyle goals minimized the impact of the generational difference. The longevity of their relationship has frequently been cited in media profiles discussing unconventional public marriages.
Family Life and Son Sid
In May 2019, Sterpini and Wallace welcomed their first child together, a son named Sid Massimo Wallace. The birth followed two years of fertility struggles and medical consultations, with the couple successfully conceiving just before scheduled IVF treatments were set to begin.
The family expanded its domestic structure by moving Sterpini’s parents, Rina and her husband, into their multi-million-pound country home in Kent. This multi-generational living arrangement was established to provide a robust support system for the household and ensure close family ties.
Autism Advocacy Journey
In 2022, their son Sid was formally diagnosed with autism after the family noticed developmental delays, particularly regarding speech and communication. Sterpini has been central to managing his daily therapies and structuring an environment tailored to his developmental needs.
The couple has used their public platforms to raise awareness about the realities of parenting a non-verbal child on the autism spectrum. Their public transparency has received widespread praise from UK neurodiversity organizations and parental support networks.
Collaborative Cookbook Projects
In 2019, Sterpini leveraged her family heritage to co-author Gregg’s Italian Family Cookbook alongside her husband. Published by Mitchell Beazley, the book features a curated collection of traditional recipes passed down through the Sterpini family line.
The literary project focused on accessible, home-style Italian cooking, blending Sterpini’s authentic family formulas with Wallace’s public culinary appeal. The book achieved positive commercial success and established Sterpini as a published culinary author.
Relocation to Italy
Following Wallace’s departure from the BBC’s MasterChef franchise in 2025, the family initiated plans to permanently relocate from Kent to Italy. The move was designed to bring the household closer to Sterpini’s extended ancestral roots and explore new Mediterranean lifestyle opportunities.
The transition marked a significant shift in their public profile, moving away from UK television production environments toward a private, family-centric life focused on European agricultural and culinary projects.
Practical Information and Planning
For those researching the professional projects, publications, or public venues associated with Anne-Marie Sterpini and Gregg Wallace, the following practical details outline current availability and access protocols.
Book Availability: Gregg’s Italian Family Cookbook remains in print and is widely available across major global retailers including Amazon, Waterstones, and WHSmith. Retail pricing typically ranges from £15.00 to £22.00 depending on the format (hardcover vs. digital e-book).
Hever Castle Tourism: The wedding venue, Hever Castle, is located in Edenbridge, Kent (TN8 7NG) and is open to the public daily from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM during standard seasons. Adult admission tickets cost approximately £23.00 for gardens only, and £28.00 for full castle and garden access.
Transport to Venue: Visitors can reach Hever Castle via rail from London Victoria to Edenbridge Town Station, followed by a short three-mile taxi ride to the main gates. Drivers can access the estate via the M25 motorway, exiting at Junction 5 or 6.
Autism Support Resources: Parents looking for the specific frameworks utilized by the family can access general resources through the National Autistic Society (NAS) UK platform. The site offers free educational material regarding non-verbal childhood development and local diagnostic pathways.
FAQs
Who is Anne-Marie Sterpini?
Anne-Marie Sterpini is a British professional caterer, cookbook author, and media figure of Italian heritage. She gained widespread public recognition following her relationship and marriage to television host Gregg Wallace.
What is the age gap between Anne-Marie Sterpini and Gregg Wallace?
There is a 21-year age difference between the couple. Anne-Marie Sterpini was born in 1986, while Gregg Wallace was born in 1964.
How did Anne-Marie Sterpini meet her husband?
The couple met via Twitter in 2013 when Sterpini sent a public tweet asking Wallace if a specific recipe combining duck and rhubarb was culinarily correct. The interaction led to private messaging and a subsequent dinner date in London.
When did Anne-Marie Sterpini get married?
Sterpini married Gregg Wallace on August 6, 2016. The private ceremony took place at the historic Hever Castle estate located in Kent, England.
Who was the best man at her wedding?
MasterChef co-host and professional chef John Torode served as the best man during the 2016 wedding ceremony at Hever Castle.
Does Anne-Marie Sterpini have any children?
Yes, she has one child named Sid Massimo Wallace, who was born in May 2019 after the couple experienced two years of natural fertility challenges.
What medical condition does her son Sid have?
Sid Wallace was formally diagnosed with autism in 2022. He is non-verbal, and his parents regularly share updates regarding his developmental progress and specialized therapies to help other families navigating neurodiversity.
Has Anne-Marie Sterpini written any books?
Yes, she co-authored Gregg’s Italian Family Cookbook with her husband, which was published in 2019 and features traditional recipes sourced directly from her Italian family heritage.
Why did Anne-Marie Sterpini’s parents move into her home?
Her mother, Rina, and her father moved into the family’s Kent residence to create a multi-generational household. This setup provides comprehensive support for daily home life and assisting with the care of her son, Sid.
Why is the family moving to Italy?
Following Gregg Wallace’s official departure from the BBC MasterChef franchise in 2025, the family decided to relocate to Italy to connect with Sterpini’s heritage and pursue a private lifestyle change.
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