John Torode sacked as MasterChef presenter
The controversy over MasterChef started last year, when BBC News first revealed claims of inappropriate sexual language against Wallace.Wallace was sacked last week as dozens more people came forward to BBC News with allegations against him. He has always denied the claims.
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Scottish Sun
14 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Major MasterChef update as John Torode and Gregg Wallace's final series WILL still be aired by BBC after their sackings
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GREGG Wallace and John Torode's final series of MasterChef will still be aired despite their sackings, The Sun can reveal. The BBC and production company Banijay currently intend to show both the amateur and celebrity editions 'once the dust has settled'. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series of MasterChef will still be aired despite their sackings 7 Torode was axed over racism allegations and Wallace was accused of sexual misconduct Credit: BBC 7 The Beeb intend to show both the amateur and celebrity editions — the latter featuring Torode and fellow judge Grace Dent 'once dust has settled' Credit: BBC The latter version features broadcaster and restaurant critic Grace Dent replacing Wallace to co-host with Torode — who was reported to be considering legal action over his axing. But executives were said to have agonised over showing it after a report upheld a complaint that Torode had used racist language. The shows, which have already been filmed, see him appear with contestants including ex-footballer Ashley Cain, who is of Caribbean descent, and Love Islander Uma Jammeh, who has Nigerian heritage. BBC Director-General Tim Davie said earlier in the week that the impact on the show's participants — both celebrities and amateurs — would be a factor in what they chose to do with the episodes. A source said: 'These past eight months have been truly hellish for all concerned. 'The BBC and Banijay have faced a moral and professional dilemma like never before. Obviously Gregg's case was more clear cut, but John being dragged through the mud wasn't what anyone wanted or expected to happen. 'But at the same time, and as a publicly funded body, the BBC has a duty to both provide entertainment as well as fulfil its obligations to cast, crew, contestants and viewers alike. 'If they were to can these two series, hundreds of people — those who appeared or worked on the shows — would be so bitterly disappointed. 'So the feeling at present is that the show, quite literally, must go on — albeit once the dust has settled and all the fuss died down. 'The two presenters have already been cancelled on the Beeb — they don't wish to cancel the series too; neither of which, it must be noted, received any complaints.' MasterChef Hosts in Feud: Gregg Wallace vs John Torode Wallace, 60, was officially sacked this week by the BBC and Banijay after an independent investigation was carried out into allegations of bad behaviour on the show between 2005 and 2024. A total of 45 out of 83 allegations against him were upheld. The majority were inappropriate sexual language, although one related to unwanted touching. But the report — the findings of which were released by Banijay — also said that two allegations against two other individuals had also been substantiated. Torode, 59, confirmed on Monday that one of the complaints was against him. He said: 'I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. 'I have absolutely no recollection of this and I do not believe that it happened.' The Sun also revealed BBC bosses had asked him to resign at the weekend and claim he had mental health issues. He refused to do so. But on Tuesday, the BBC and Banijay said that they were sacking him too. Heartbroken Torode learned he had been fired when he read it on the BBC News website. 7 BBC Director-General Tim Davie had said that the impact of axing both shows would be a factor in what they chose to do with the episodes Credit: Getty His representatives were contacted just 11 minutes before the statements from the BBC and Banijay were released. It has been claimed he has been talking to employment lawyers with a view to potentially trying to 'clear his name'. Two weeks ago John was told everything was fine and then this was sprung on him at the end of a seven month investigation. He's still in complete shock A source But sources close to the Aussie-born chef and presenter said it was too soon to consider legal avenues. They said pursuing a claim for unfair dismissal at this stage is 'too much to process', as he is 'still coming to terms with what has happened'. A source added: 'Two weeks ago John was told everything was fine and then this was sprung on him at the end of a seven-month investigation. He's still in complete shock.' Mr Davie had addressed the situation of screening the two series during the Corporation's annual report on Tuesday, while commenting MasterChef still had a future and 'can survive and prosper'. He said: 'We haven't made a decision yet, it's a difficult one, because to your question, those amateur chefs gave a lot of time to take part in the show. 'It means a lot, it can be an enormous break if you come through the show. So, I want to just reflect on that with the team and make a decision and we'll communicate that in due course.' The Sun exclusively revealed last week how chefs in the amateur version of the show, with Wallace and Torode hosting, could take legal action against the BBC if they do not air the shows that they appeared in. Many take time off work, or quit their jobs altogether, to be a part of the show in the hope that it will be a springboard to bigger things. Similarly, many stars see appearing on the celebrity version as a platform for them to reboot their careers or as a stepping stone to getting on even bigger TV shows. As well as Ashley and Uma, the celebrity series of MasterChef already filmed — which is former guest judge Grace Dent's first stint as co-host — also include RuPaul's Drag Race star Ginger Johnson and Blue singer Antony Costa. Meanwhile, The Sun can reveal the third person cited in the Lewis Silkin report into Wallace. A senior producer, who we are choosing not to name, was formally questioned by lawyers after receiving a complaint for swearing in the workplace. He has not been sacked, however, but the matter was addressed and handled internally. A source added: 'It's been yet another headache. 'MasterChef is a high-pressure, high-stakes environment and everyone gets a little over-heated at times. Really, though, who hasn't sworn in the workplace? 'To fire someone for this would have been a worrying and dangerous precedent to set.' A Banijay spokeswoman said: 'We are handling this issue appropriately internally.' 7 The celebrity series of MasterChef that's already been filmed included singer Antony Costa Credit: Getty 7 Former Love Islander Uma Jammeh will also compete on the series Credit: Getty
Daily Mirror
15 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Naga Munchetty 'looking for new job and set to quit' BBC Breakfast after bullying row
BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty is reportedly in talks to join another station amid the programme's bullying row BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has reportedly 'renewed talks' with a radio station away from the corporation amid a bullying row that has plagued the morning programme. Last month, it was revealed show boss Richard Frediani was on extended leave on the flagship show after complaints about his behaviour. Host Munchetty was also said to not get on with him. However, many staff members came out in defence of the editor. One even told the Mirror that some staff were disappointed with Munchetty who it's claimed raised concerns about Frediani's management style with BBC managers. And now, a source has claimed that the presenter 'loves the BBC' but is looking for a new job. Speaking to The Sun, they said: "Her team last week renewed talks with LBC. The Global Radio station would suit her as there's far less of the fluffy nonsense that's involved in working at the BBC.' The Mirror have reached out to Munchetty's reps for comment. Meanwhile, the BBC's annual salary was recently published and Munchetty was revealed to be earning almost double her co-host Charlie Stayt's pay. Stayt and Munchetty present BBC Breakfast from Thursday to Saturday morning, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent take the helm from Monday to Wednesday. Stayt, aged 63, has stayed within the £190,000 salary band, whereas Munchetty, aged 50, has enjoyed a £10,000 increase to her earnings, moving from £345,000 to £355,000. Munchetty, who has presented on the flagship news programme since 2014, has always been paid more than Stayt. Her pay packet accounts for 180 days of presenting on BBC Breakfast, as well as her Radio 5 Live programme and election coverage. The BBC pay comes amid a bullying row concerning the BBC Breakfast editor. Some current and former staff of the programme jumped to his defence. One source told the Mirror: 'He is not a bully at all and the truth will come out. He's a great boss and was - and is still - overwhelmingly loved by the team, who respect his drive, expertise, and journalistic ambition. He has delivered great audiences and the first ever Bafta for breakfast TV. 'He can be brash and opinionated but works so hard for his team and allows people to flourish.' A second source said: 'Yes, he is old-school and can rub people up the wrong way but it's always in the pursuit of great television. It's the best-rating breakfast show in the country - it's not supposed to be a walk in the park. Some - Naga included - need to understand this. It feels like it's a case of presenter power turfing out a brilliant journalist.' Co-host Stayt is also said to have a strained relationship with Frediani.
The Sun
15 minutes ago
- The Sun
Harry Redknapp left stunned after 50ft boat crashes into garden of his Sandbanks mansion
HARRY Redknapp was left stunned after a 50ft trimaran slammed into the garden of his brand new Sandbanks mansion. The £25,000 tripled hulled racing boat was swept into the north shore of Millionaire's Row in strong winds. 3 3 The four crew members were able to safely step off but the boat - Three Cheers - got wedged under the pontoon. Poole lifeboat and coastguard were called out to assist but the crew ended up calling a local recovery company to remove the boat after the prang on Monday. A spokesperson for Poole Lifeboat said: "A 50ft trimaran was passing through Poole Harbour on passage. "With no engine at the time, it got into difficulty and ended up aground and wedged under a jetty near North Haven Point. "The lifeboat volunteers were swiftly on scene and found that the casualties were all ashore, safe and well and did not require assistance." Harry and Sandra Redknapp 's new Italianate villa has been built on the Sandbanks waterfront. The couple paid £7m for a 60-year-old house that stood on the plot before demolishing it and building the dream home in its place. Luxury properties on the edges of the peninsula have gardens running down to the water and private jetties with direct access to Poole Harbour. Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose - he's the best uncle ever 3
