BBC MasterChef's Gregg Wallace and John Torode were 'never friends'
Gregg Wallace has been accused of feeding information about his MasterChef co-host John Torode during an inquiry into his own conduct, according to recent claims.
Despite sharing the spotlight on the BBC cooking programme for two decades, it's reported that the duo were "never friends" according to a new report outlined in the Mirror. Wallace was briefing against Torode while the broadcaster and production company investigated misconduct allegations levelled at him.
This revelation follows the departure of both presenters from the show. Wallace was dismissed first after 45 out of 83 complaints against him were upheld, including accusations of "unwanted physical contact", "being in a state of undress", bullying, and making inappropriate jokes.
Torode was later let go amid an accusation that he used "an extremely offensive racist term", which he denies any knowledge of. Reports suggest that the incident involved Torode using the N-word at a season wrap party in 2019 while singing along to Kanye West's 'Gold Digger'.
However, BBC News has stated that the allegation actually dates back to the previous year when he allegedly uttered the same word on set after filming had concluded, aimed at a staff member. Torode, 59, maintains that he has "no recollection" of making the "offensive" remark he's been accused of, despite the complaint being upheld by law firm Lewis Silkin.
The Australian chef expressed that any use of racist language is "wholly unacceptable". Between 2012 and 2019, nine allegations were levelled against Torode. Two of these were deemed unsubstantiated by investigators, while six lacked sufficient evidence.
These include additional claims of abusive language towards junior production staff and sexual language. BBC News unveiled the allegations in November.
It was alleged that the MasterChef production team were "defensive" at the time and hoped to "wanted to ride out the storm", wishing for "the story to go away."
Noor Nanji noted, "There was a view that Wallace's career could be saved, and his worst behaviour was in the past," adding that "Others in the production team were in disbelief."
She suggests that few formal complaints were lodged due to fear of "repercussions". Many of the show's staff were freelancers, concerned that speaking up might jeopardise future career opportunities.
The BBC and Banijay reportedly had differing views on the matter, with Banijay initially not intending to dismiss Torode. However, BBC's director general Tim Davie insisted on drawing "a line in the sand" over the issue.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Torode is gearing up to take legal action against the BBC and Banijay following his dismissal from MasterChef. In a statement outlined by the Mirror, he expressed shock at learning of his contract termination through a public announcement made by the BBC and producers Banijay.
Insiders close to the celebrity chef suggest he's consulting employment lawyers in an effort to "clear his name." Torode himself acknowledged the presence of an allegation, stating: "I do not believe that it happened."
Banijay UK confirmed they had discussed the issue with Torode and the BBC, concluding that they "are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef". However, in a statement released on Tuesday evening, Torode said: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay, I am seeing and reading I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef. 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."
He mentioned that Celebrity MasterChef, which he recently filmed with food critic Grace Dent, along with two Christmas specials, would be his final appearances.
BBC Director General Davie, speaking to BBC News on Tuesday, described the allegation against Torode as "a serious racist term which does not get to be acceptable in any way shape or form. It's really important we are taking this seriously."
ITV is standing by John and offering a lifeline to his television career. The third instalment of John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen, which he presents with his wife Lisa, aired earlier this week.
A source revealed that the situation has been "hard for Lisa", who is "conscious of their ITV show and doesn't want to jeopardise that."
Uncertainty now looms over the complete recording of BBC1's amateur version of MasterChef, currently on hold due to the investigation into Wallace, as well as the 20th celebrity series, which has yet to announce its 20 participants and judge Grace Dent.
However, Davie has expressed confidence in the show's resilience. "It's a great programme, well loved by audiences. It is bigger than individuals. It can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show," he stated.
Names such as Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt and The Great British Menu host Andi Oliver are being considered as potential candidates to step in on MasterChef.
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