MasterChef host John Torode allegedly found out he has been axed from the cooking show after 20 years through BBC News as he is accused of using racist language
John Torode has received the support of fellow celebrities after he was sensationally axed from MasterChef last night. The presenter and TV chef, 59, reportedly discovered his career on the show had come to an end through BBC News.
He claimed he was never contacted by the BBC or MasterChef’s production company Banijay about their decision not to renew his contract on the cooking programme he’s been part of for 20 years. The decision came just hours after Torode unmasked himself as the person accused of using racist language on set.
The claim came from an investigation into his former co-star Gregg Wallace’s behaviour. Torode claimed he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened.
However, the BBC and Banijay both confirmed he has been axed from the show and his contract has not been renewed. 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.”
Torode has since received the support of McFly singer Danny Jones, who liked the statement on Instagram and knows all too well what it is like to be centre of scandal. Earlier this year, married Danny was swept into a media storm when he was filmed kissing Love Island star Maura Higgins.
After trying to stay low and brush off the attention into his home life, Danny went on to issue his own groveling apology to his wife Georgia and their seven-year-old son Cooper. He has since returned to the spotlight and embarked on a tour with his band.
Torode has also been supported by Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, who liked his statement. She had also been keen to share her stance on the scandal earlier in the week when she also liked his previous statement.
Piers Morgan branded Torode’s axe a ‘witch trial’ as he fumed online: “Have I got this right? The BBC has fired @JohnTorode1 because he allegedly made a racially insensitive comment in a bar EIGHT YEARS ago, that he immediately apologised for, and now doesn’t remember ever saying? Salem wants its witch trials back.”
The former MasterChef host has kept comments off on his latest posts. A statement from Banijay UK said on Tuesday evening: “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.”
The BBC also 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.”
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