EXCLUSIVE: MasterChef hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode will not be filming anymore episodes of the show, once the current series concludes
John Torode’s next career move “could very well make or break his TV career”, following his sacking from MasterChef, a PR specialist has suggested. Last month, it was revealed that the chef’s contract with the BBC show would not be renewed due to an upheld racism allegation.
In a statement, John, 60, said he has “no recollection” of the alleged racist term he is accused of using, and said he only discovered he’d been dropped from the show through media reports.
John’s co-presenter Gregg Wallace will also not be returning to the show after several misconduct allegations were upheld in the same investigation, commissioned by MasterChef’s producer Banijay UK, and carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin.
While John may not be back for another series of MasterChef, he is still believed to be employed by ITV.
For now, his and his wife Lisa Faulkner’s show John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen will continue to air, and ITV reportedly have plans for the pair to front Christmas specials.
Despite this, Kayley Cornelius says John’s future on-screen is looking “temperamental”.
She believes that if no further allegations about him emerge, then he could potentially “win back public support” and continue his on-screen career, with ITV’s backing. However, this is likely to depend on the figures the show brings in.
“Although ITV appear to be offering him a lifeline for now by continuing their support, I suspect that could change at the drop of a hat if it turns out this wasn’t an isolated incident and more reports of similar language come to light,” she said, speaking on behalf of Betfred.
“It goes without saying that John’s next steps will be crucial and could very well make or break his TV career.”
She went on to say: “Should he take accountability for his actions, apologise to those he’s upset or disappointed, and demonstrate clear growth since the time of the incident, I do believe, based on current online sentiment, that he has a chance to win back some public support.
“However, he will need to accept that for some, there may be no regaining their trust at all.
“While he may have short-term security thanks to ITV, in the long term, his success and TV career will hinge on public support.
“Audience numbers are crucial to the future of any television programme and the funding it receives, so if he fails to win back viewers, the show could face cancellation further down the line.”
The PR expert added that if ITV were to distance themselves from John, this could result in him being “pushed out of the industry altogether”.
She also points out that with broadcasting becoming increasingly competitive and presenting talent continuing to grow, producers are likely not to hesitate with replacing him if need be.
The fresh series of MasterChef made its comeback on the BBC this Wednesday, featuring both Gregg and John. The episodes were shot prior to the hosts being dismissed, however, according to The Independent, Irish chef Anna Haugh will be stepping in for Gregg in the concluding episodes.
MasterChef returns to BBC Two tonight at 8pm.