MasterChef fans start petition for BBC to sign fan-favourite TV cook as John Torode's replacement after shock sacking
The Aussie chef, 59,
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MasterChef fans have declared who they'd like to replace John Torode
Credit: BBC
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John and Gregg Wallace began co-hosting MasterChef in 2005
Credit: BBC
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Fans have suggested Si King as a possible replacement
Credit: Rex
It comes as
The dossier also upheld a complaint that an unnamed person used a racial phrase once several years ago.
Writing online, viewers have put their support behind a familiar face to replace John: Si King of the Hairy Bikers.
One wrote on Reddit: "If Masterchef isnt cancelled Si King has to be the new presenter.
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Not sure who could join him and with Dave passing that could be an issue.
"Maybe Marcus Waring or a rotating line up thinking Nigella, Marcus, Jay Rayner, not big Zuu etv."
"Si encapsulates everything I like in a cooking show, he's warm, friendly and seems to love food."
Another added: "Si King & keep Grace Dent. Perfect mix."
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While a third shared: "Si king and Ade edmondson would be great."
A fourth remarked: "Si King is a great shout."
Masterchef meltdown as BBC asked John Torode to RESIGN over 'racist remark' before Gregg Wallace sacking
A BBC spokesperson
A statement read: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him.
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"This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace- was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin.
"John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened.
"He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.
'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken.
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"John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.'
MasterChef - Who could be joining the BBC series?
With John Torode and Gregg Wallace now both gone from MasterChef, several names have been suggested as possible replacements.
These include:
Banijay wrote a statement which added: "In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously.
"The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.
"This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint.
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"Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef."
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Si is well-known for working with the late Dave Myers as the Hairy Bikers
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