Former MasterChef judge John Torode was seen on a stroll with his dog and a friend this week after his wife Lisa Faulkner broke her silence on his departure from the BBC show
Former MasterChef judge John Torode was spotted on a stroll with his dog Rory this week. It comes after his wife Lisa Faulkner broke her silence amid the scandal over the show and she later said that Rory had kept her smiling through it.
It was announced earlier this month that John, 60, would not have his contract renewed. Production company Banijay said that an investigation into Gregg Wallace’s behaviour by firm Lewis Silkin had “substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against” John. John has however said: “I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.”
John was seen enjoying a walk with his dog Rory and a friend in London earlier this week amid the fallout from the scandal. It comes as the presenter’s former co-star Gregg continues to promote his health and fitness coaching following his own departure from MasterChef.
READ MORE: Gregg Wallace breaks silence as he lands new Autism role after MasterChef axeREAD MORE: MasterChef contestant ‘edited out’ of new series after asking BBC to axe show
John was spotted out in the capital city on Tuesday as he enjoyed a relaxed walk with Rory and restaurateur Peter Horton. The pals are said to have been seen chatting as they took a stroll together whilst accompanied by John’s dog.
The former MasterChef host, who appeared to be yawning in some photos from the outing, opted for a casual look. John was seen wearing a blue t-shirt, grey hoodie, blue joggers and a pair of blue trainers for the walk two days ago.
It comes after his wife Lisa, 53, broke her silence after John’s departure from MasterChef, which he had co-hosted since it relaunched in 2005. She thanked fans for their support in a video on Instagram just a few days ago.
Lisa said in the video message: “”Hi there. I just wanted to check in and say hello. I’m here and just thank you for all your lovely comments because they really, really mean a lot.” She concluded by telling her followers: “So thank you.”
She later revealed that the couple’s dog has kept her smiling lately amid John making headlines over his exit from the TV show. She made the remark in a post on the platform alongside a photo of herself and Rory on Tuesday.
Lisa wrote: “Our little shadow over the past few weeks. I can’t tell you how much Rory has kept me smiling. Every day she wakes up wagging her tail, smiling and greeting a new day with her positivity! My motto really is Be More Rory.”
Earlier this month, the BBC said: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation, which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace, was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation.
“He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”
Shortly after, John posted a statement that read: “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.”
As previously reported, production company Banijay said: “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.”
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