TV chef John Torode has lost his longstanding and lucrative MasterChef role after 20 years as the future of his show with wife Lisa Faulker is also put into question
John Torode’s TV future is in doubt following his swift axe from MasterChef after 20 years co-hosting the show. The TV chef, 59, was sacked from the BBC cooking show last night following an investigation into claims against his former co-star Gregg Wallace upheld an allegation John used racist language, which he denies.
Production company Banijay commissioned the report into Wallace, which found that two other people had substantiated claims about them. Torode came forward as the individual accused of using a racist comment, which is said to be from 2018.
He said he had “no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened” and learned about his sacking through the BBC News website. The move has cast doubt on where Torode’s future on TV lies as he was able to film another series of MasterChef without Wallace.
His co-star was axed last year, with food critic Grace Dent joining the presenting team alongside Torode for Celebrity MasterChef. However, it is now unclear if the scenes filmed with Torode will be shown.
Torode praised Grace after their time working together, as it was reported she has become a permanent host of the show. He said previously: “I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years.
“She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.” It was reported MasterChef was planning to film its next series at the end of the summer through to December. Now, it is unclear who will be host alongside Grace after John’s sacking.
The BBC already said it has not yet made a final decision on whether to broadcast a series of MasterChef filmed last year with Wallace and Torode. A spokesperson said: “We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.”
Meanwhile, there is also concern over Torode’s lucrative ITV contracts as he appears on This Morning and has his own show with wife Lisa Faulkner, titled John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen. ITV has been contacted for comment on the matter.
Just last month, the couple confirmed it would be returning for a tenth series as well as their spin-off John and Lisa’s Christmas Kitchen later this year. The series started earlier this month and is next due on air this Saturday at 11:40am.
John and Lisa said: “We love our little show and we feel so grateful we get to do it. We have such an amazing team who give us so much freedom to just cook together and it’s always the food we love and believe in.
“We never take it for granted as we just love doing our show!” Torode took to his Instagram late last night to address the scandal. He said: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been “sacked” from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of. The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong.
“I’d hoped that I’d have some say in my exit from a show I’ve worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that. Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future. Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last.
“Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards.
“My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. Thank you for the many years of MasterChef. JOHN TORODE.”
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