John Torode was at the helm of MasterChef alongside former host Gregg Wallace for 20 years, but it was a chance meeting in the 1990s that led to the duo’s partnership
Australian-born chef John Torode was steering the ship of MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace for two decades before they were both axed from the BBC programme. The production company behind MasterChef recently released a report into Wallace’s behaviour on the show, conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin.
The company’s investigation substantiated 45 of the allegations made against the presenter, the majority of which related to inappropriate sexual language and humour. Meanwhile, a small number of allegations relating to the star being in a state of undress and one claim of unwanted physical contact were also substantiated.
Torode, who hosted MasterChef for nearly 20 years alongside Wallace, confirmed recently he was the person alleged to have used racist language after an investigation into Wallace. However, John claimed he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened.
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The BBC and Banijay soon confirmed they wouldn’t be renewing his contract as they both released a statement. Before the accusations against Wallace and Torode were known to the public, the show was a huge hit with fans.
It was initially dubbed MasterChef Goes Large when the pair took up presenting duties in 2005, after first crossing paths in the 1990s when Wallace, a greengrocer to London’s finest eateries for over 20 years, started supplying Torode’s ventures.
Born in Sydney, Australia in 1965, the 59-year-old was a regular chef on This Morning, sharing screen time with Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, before gaining widespread recognition with Wallace on the reimagined version of the programme.
Alongside Wallace, Torode also fronted the spin-off Celebrity MasterChef and co-hosted an episode of the satirical BBC quiz Have I Got News For You in 2011.
Their take on the show was a new rendition of the original series from 1990-2001, hosted by Loyd Grossman. Over the years, whispers have circulated that the duo didn’t see eye-to-eye off-camera, although Wallace has previously stated they are on good terms.
MasterChef’s Wallace once shared a candid moment about his friendship with co-star Torode, recounting during a 2012 interview with the PA news agency: “We drank some very good red wine and we finished with a couple of brandies. We talked about love, life, weight loss, hair loss – I’m very fond of John.”
John Torode received an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022 for his contributions to food and charity, on which he commented: “I feel very privileged, it’s a real honour and I feel great about it.”
Before misconduct allegations against Wallace came to light, the pair marked MasterChef’s 20th anniversary with a bash at Fishmongers’ Hall in London, hosting over 70 guests with ties to the series.
However, as accusations arose, Torode reassured fans in December that he would stay with MasterChef, expressing his attachment to the show by saying he “loves being part of” it.
Later, on a Monday, Torode acknowledged the validity of one isolated instance of racial insensitivity found in an investigation that confirmed 45 out of 83 complaints against Wallace throughout his tenure on the show.
Torode addressed his forgetfulness about the perturbing claim on Instagram, stating that he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened”.
Following this revelation, both MasterChef producer Banijay UK and the BBC made the decision that Torode’s contract would not be extended.
A Banijay spokesperson declared: “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.”
In addition to his television appearances, Torode is an acclaimed author with cookbooks such as Sydney To Seoul, My Kind Of Food and John And Lisa’s Kitchen, co-written with his wife Lisa Faulkner. He also used to own popular London dining spots The Luxe and Smiths Of Smithfield.
Torode shares four children with his spouse, actress and fellow culinary connoisseur Faulkner, whom he wed in 2019 following her Celebrity MasterChef triumph.
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