John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed, the BBC and production company Banijay UK said on Tuesday, following an allegation of using racist language
Offensive language John Torode allegedly used on MasterChef was a “serious racist term,” a BBC boss has stressed.
Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, said the slur was so severe he was not prepared to repeat it when pressed by journalists what exactly Torode is alleged to have used. The presenter was sacked from his role on MasterChef last night, after the allegation he used racist language was investigated and substantiated by an independent investigation led by a top law firm.
Although he denies the allegations, Torode, 59, follows Gregg Wallace, 60, out of the door, departures which put the future of already recorded celebrity and amateur versions of the BBC show in doubt.
But Mr Davie, 58, last night insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out. Asked exactly what Torode said, Mr Davie last night replied: “I’m not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly it was serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.”
READ MORE: Piers Morgan slams BBC over John Torode’s MasterChef axe – ‘Salem wants its witch trials back’
In relation to MasterChef’s future, the BBC boss continued: “I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that’s loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we’ve got to make sure we’re in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.”
Torode and Wallace had fronted the show since it was revived as MasterChef Goes Large in 2005. When Wallace was axed, it was thought Grace Dent would replace the former greengrocer, having covered for him on Celebrity MasterChef earlier this year. Torode’s absence leaves questions on who may work alongside Ms Dent, a food critic with prior TV and journalism experience.
Torode last night continued to insist he had no knowledge of the “offensive” comment he is accused of making, despite lawyers Lewis Silkin upholding the complaint, said to be from 2018. It also emerged on Tuesday the defiant presenter, who also appears on This Morning, found out about his dismissal through the BBC News website. He claims he was never contacted by the BBC or MasterChef’s production company about their decision not to renew his contract on the cooking programme, of which he has been part for 20 years.
A statement from Banijay UK, the programme’s production company, said: “In response to John Torode’s statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously.
“The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.
“This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.”