John Torode's 'struggle' with MasterChef co-star Gregg Wallace's off-screen behaviour

Daily Mirror

29-07-2025

John Torode and Gregg Wallace have been BBC MasterChef co-hosts for 20 years - but their behind-the-scenes relationship has been called into question following their recent sacking
John Torode found one aspect of his partnership with Gregg Wallace particularly taxing, a journalist who interviewed the MasterChef host revealed.
Wallace was dismissed from the BBC programme after 45 complaints against him were upheld. His co-presenter Torode later learned that his contract would not be renewed following an investigation that confirmed he had uttered racially insensitive remarks some years prior.
Following their dismissals, anecdotes about the duo have come to light, including one from a journalist who met Torode. Michael Odell of The Times has interviewed the Australian chef on two occasions.
Michael recalled: "The first time I met Torode was in 2022 and he described dealing with his erstwhile MasterChef presenting partner Gregg Wallace and his early morning phone calls. It was obvious being woken up at 6am by Wallace in Duracell Bunny 'let's get to work!' mode was not easy."
He also noted a recurring sentiment from both interviews, stating: "Both times I came away thinking, 'Why am I not as nice as John Torode?'"
Despite their apparent camaraderie on the BBC series, the pair have previously admitted their relationship isn't quite as cordial off-screen. Torode once told the Mirror: "It's funny, we've never been friends. We've not been to each other's houses."
He further explained: "If we go away to somewhere like South Africa," adding, "we do things separately ... If we do go out for a drink, I'll invariably be at one end of a big old table and he'll be at the other."
John Torode has opened up about the intense clashes he's had with his co-host Gregg Wallace during their two decades of presenting together, admitting they've had "massive fights" over which contestants should stay or go on the show – tensions that didn't always dissipate once filming wrapped.
"We've had a couple of standoffs over the years," Torode confessed. "I've just had to walk away from him."
Meanwhile, Wallace seemed unaware of any serious issues, as he reflected in a 2017 interview with Lorraine. He explained: "I film with John six or seven months of the year, so we are very close to each other physically, and emotionally we are very close to each other.
"What's great about having a partnership is that if one of you is a bit off, a bit down, the other one naturally steps up, so I rely on John a lot."
A source from behind the scenes also shared with BBC News: "Clearly they had a good chemistry when the cameras were rolling. But you rarely saw them interact when the cameras were off."
Wallace has since apologised for his behaviour, insisting he is "so sorry" but stated: "I am not a groper, a sex pest or a flasher."
Torode, aged 60, has refuted an old accusation regarding the use of racist language, stating he has no memory of such an incident and does not believe it occurred.
Whatever lies ahead for the pair, Wallace and Torode will appear on screen together for a handful more occasions.
The BBC has, following extensive deliberation, chosen to broadcast their final series together from August 6, and may also transmit a Celebrity MasterChef series and Christmas special that are both allegedly completed.
Nevertheless, some editorial modifications may have been implemented to minimise the duration the pair feature on screen.
A BBC representative stated: "MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey,".
"This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it.
"In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC."