London, UK – John Torode has been dismissed as a presenter of the BBC’s popular cooking show MasterChef, after an allegation of him using “an extremely offensive racist term” was upheld. The decision, confirmed by the show’s production company Banijay and the BBC, plunges the programme into a deeper crisis following a separate controversy involving his former co-host.
In a statement released on Instagram on Tuesday, the TV chef asserted he had “no recollection” of the alleged incident and expressed disappointment at not having a say in his departure. Earlier in the day, Banijay announced that it and the BBC had “agreed” not to renew his contract.
This development follows the recent sacking of Torode’s long-time co-host, Gregg Wallace, last week. Wallace’s dismissal came after dozens of individuals made allegations of inappropriate sexual language against him, claims which he has consistently denied. An inquiry into Wallace’s conduct upheld more than 40 separate allegations on Monday.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie addressed the situation on Tuesday afternoon, describing the allegation against Torode as “a serious racist term which does not get to be acceptable in any way shape or form.” He stressed the BBC’s commitment to taking the matter seriously, stating, “We’ve drawn a line in the sand.”
Torode’s statement indicated that the recently filmed Celebrity MasterChef, featuring food critic Grace Dent, along with two Christmas specials, would mark his final appearances on the show. “Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else,” he wrote. The BBC has yet to make a decision regarding this year’s main MasterChef series.
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