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Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
John Torode fired over 'worst racial slur'
The BBC has said the host's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' during drinks after filming the show. But the corporation has refused to say what the slur was - as has Mr Torode - leading to feverish speculation online that it could be the N-word. A source has claimed that it was 'worst racial slur there is' and that the Beeb and production company Banijay believe the case for sacking him is 'watertight' if he tried to go to court. Another insider told MailOnline that there was 'relief' at MasterChef HQ that Torode is gone, saying he was 'horrible' to work with at times. Mr Torode has taken the stance that said 'he had absolutely no recollection' of the incident and did 'not believe that it happened'. This is despite a witness claiming he had apologised immediately and 'was mortified' - before insisting what he said was not meant as a racist remark. Mr Torode said this week, after his sacking, in a lengthy statement posted to Instagram: 'Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I've been "sacked" from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of'. It was also claimed the BBC and Banijay had asked Torode to leave MasterChef citing mental health. The BBC declined to comment on the claims. But an insider said: 'The BBC and Banijay spoke to his reps before the announcement on Tuesday. 'The BBC never suggested he resign nor raised mental health'. Richard Osman appears to know the racist term Torode was claimed to have used. Speaking on his Rest Is Entertainment podcast with Marina Hyde, he said said that his sources were shocked when they heard claims that Torode was not told he was being sacked before it was announced. 'This is not woke gone mad. He used probably the worst racial slur there is and they found that to be substantively true. They found evidence. He said that he couldn't remember it. But that one was upheld', Richard said. He added: 'More people are going to come out. They [the BBC and Banijay are going public with the things they believe that will stand up in court'. He added: 'If I were working at Banijay I would not be comfortable working on a production that he was on'. Mr Osman claimed that Torode was offered a year off and some training - but he refused. So he was fired. 'My understanding is that they took John Torode aside. And said we believe you used this language. he denied it. They said to him: "We will accept if you want to take a year off you need to take a mandatory training course to understand and accept this is something we don't want in our workplace'. 'That was denied. He said of course not. I didn't do it. Why would I do this'. Mr Torode is said to be considering taking legal action against the BBC after he was sacked from MasterChef. Sources suggest the chef is 'preparing to launch a lawsuit against the BBC' and wants to pursue bosses for unfair dismissal. 'He's telling people there is no proof of his supposed comment. It was not in a work capacity, it was just hearsay. John is determined to clear his name,' sources told The Mirror. But, such legal action may prove impossible for John as sources told MailOnline his contract was with Banijay rather than the BBC. This comes as MasterChef bosses are reportedly pushing to air Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series 'when the dust settles' after they were both sacked from the cooking show. The upcoming series' - which have already been filmed - features former I'm A Celeb star and restaurant critic Grace Dent, who replaced Gregg to co-host with John. The Sun reports that The BBC and production company Banijay plan to air both the amateur and celebrity editions. However, MailOnline understands BBC director general Tim Davie , who has the final say, has not yet made his decision on whether MasterChef will or will not be aired. A source told the Sun: '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.' MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment. The Australian chef was dramatically axed from MasterChef - hours after the BBC's director general refused to back him over an allegation of using racist language. The corporation said the host's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' during drinks after filming the show. The complaint against John was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg's inappropriate behaviour. Gregg, 60, was sacked after dozens of complaints against him were upheld. John identified himself on Monday as an unnamed person in the report who was accused of using 'racist language'. However, the presenter said 'he had absolutely no recollection' of the incident and did 'not believe that it happened'. But in a statement yesterday, the BBC said: '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. The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Hours before the announcement, BBC director general Tim Davie (pictured) had refused to back John and said he expected 'action to be taken' over the allegation. He delivered the remarks as the BBC released its annual report - an occasion overshadowed by controversies for the second year in a row. Last year's was published amid the fallout over news presenter Huw Edwards who pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children . Asked about the Torode racism row, Tim Davie said: 'The BBC in some ways are quite simple on this - if someone is found to not live up to our values we expect the independent company, Banijay in this case, to take action and report back to us on what they have done. 'These are not BBC employees, but we absolutely expect action to be taken.' Tim added: 'I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make ing drinks sure we're in the right place in ness terms of the culture of the show.' It had been alleged by a source close to John that he had used an inappropriate racial term during drinks after filming. The witness claimed he had apologised immediately and 'was mortified' and he 'didn't use the term as a slur'. No one complained at the time but the incident was brought up during the inquiry into Gregg, they said. On Monday, John said he had 'absolutely no recollection' of the incident and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. 'I would never wish to cause anyone offence,' he added. Responding to his sacking, John, who is married to actress and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner, said: 'I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in the last few says seem to have prevented that.' He said he 'had loved every minute' working on the show but it was 'time to pass the cutlery to someone else'. 'Life is everchanging and ever moving and sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere,' he added.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE John Torode was sacked by the BBC from MasterChef for using 'the worst racial slur there is'
John Torode was fired from MasterChef for saying the 'worst racial slur there is', it was claimed today. The Australian-born chef, 59, has also been accused of lying about claims he wasn't told he was being sacked before it ended up in the press. The BBC has said the host's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' during drinks after filming the show. But the corporation has refused to say what the slur was - as has Mr Torode - leading to feverish speculation online that it could be the N-word. A source has claimed that it was 'worst racial slur there is' and that the Beeb and production company Banijay believe the case for sacking him is 'watertight' if he tried to go to court. Another insider told MailOnline that there was 'relief' at MasterChef HQ that Torode is gone, saying he was 'horrible' to work with at times. Mr Torode has taken the stance that said 'he had absolutely no recollection' of the incident and did 'not believe that it happened'. This is despite a witness claiming he had apologised immediately and 'was mortified' - before insisting what he said was not meant as a racist remark. Mr Torode said this week, after his sacking, in a lengthy statement posted to Instagram: 'Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I've been "sacked" from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of'. It was also claimed the BBC and Banijay had asked Torode to leave MasterChef citing mental health. The BBC declined to comment on the claims. But an insider said: 'The BBC and Banijay spoke to his reps before the announcement on Tuesday. 'The BBC never suggested he resign nor raised mental health'. Richard Osman appears to know the racist term Torode was claimed to have used. Speaking on his Rest Is Entertainment podcast with Marina Hyde, he said said that his sources were shocked when they heard claims that Torode was not told he was being sacked before it was announced. Mr Osman claimed that Torode was offered a year off and some training - but he refused. So he was fired. Mr Torode is said to be considering taking legal action against the BBC after he was sacked from MasterChef. Sources suggest the chef is 'preparing to launch a lawsuit against the BBC' and wants to pursue bosses for unfair dismissal. 'He's telling people there is no proof of his supposed comment. It was not in a work capacity, it was just hearsay. John is determined to clear his name,' sources told The Mirror. But, such legal action may prove impossible for John as sources told MailOnline his contract was with Banijay rather than the BBC. This comes as MasterChef bosses are reportedly pushing to air Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series 'when the dust settles' after they were both sacked from the cooking show. The upcoming series' - which have already been filmed - features former I'm A Celeb star and restaurant critic Grace Dent, who replaced Gregg to co-host with John. The Sun reports that The BBC and production company Banijay plan to air both the amateur and celebrity editions. However, MailOnline understands BBC director general Tim Davie, who has the final say, has not yet made his decision on whether MasterChef will or will not be aired. A source told the Sun: '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.' MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment. The Australian chef was dramatically axed from MasterChef - hours after the BBC's director general refused to back him over an allegation of using racist language. The corporation said the host's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' during drinks after filming the show. The complaint against John was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg's inappropriate behaviour. Gregg, 60, was sacked after dozens of complaints against him were upheld. However, MailOnline understands BBC director general Tim Davie (pictured), who has the final say, has not yet made his decision on whether MasterChef will or will not be aired John identified himself on Monday as an unnamed person in the report who was accused of using 'racist language'. However, the presenter said 'he had absolutely no recollection' of the incident and did 'not believe that it happened'. But in a statement yesterday, the BBC said: '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. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. 'We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Hours before the announcement, BBC director general Tim Davie had refused to back John and said he expected 'action to be taken' over the allegation. He delivered the remarks as the BBC released its annual report - an occasion overshadowed by controversies for the second year in a row. Last year's was published amid the fallout over news presenter Huw Edwards who pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children. Asked about the Torode racism row, Tim Davie said: 'The BBC in some ways are quite simple on this - if someone is found to not live up to our values we expect the independent company, Banijay in this case, to take action and report back to us on what they have done. 'These are not BBC employees, but we absolutely expect action to be taken.' Tim added: 'I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make ing drinks sure we're in the right place in ness terms of the culture of the show.' It had been alleged by a source close to John that he had used an inappropriate racial term during drinks after filming. The witness claimed he had apologised immediately and 'was mortified' and he 'didn't use the term as a slur'. No one complained at the time but the incident was brought up during the inquiry into Gregg, they said. On Monday, John said he had 'absolutely no recollection' of the incident and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. 'I would never wish to cause anyone offence,' he added. Responding to his sacking, John, who is married to actress and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner, said: 'I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in the last few says seem to have prevented that.' He said he 'had loved every minute' working on the show but it was 'time to pass the cutlery to someone else'.
The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
6 rules you need to follow during Hampshire hosepipe ban
It will ban the use of a hosepipe for activities such as watering the garden, washing the car or filling a paddling pool. Southern Water has brought in the temporary use ban after the driest spring in over 100 years and the hottest June on record. The Test and Itchen chalk streams, the primary water sources for the regions, are at critically low levels, with flows down 24%. BBC News adds: "The restrictions will apply to 791,000 customers in 336,000 properties in Hampshire as well as 144,000 customers in 75,000 properties on the Isle of Wight." Hosepipe ban rules for Hampshire Southern Water customers Ahead of the hosepipe ban being implemented on Monday, you might be wondering what rules you need to follow, so you don't risk being fined. All households that are supplied water by Southern Water must stop using hosepipes until further notice for: Watering the garden or plants in your garden at home Cleaning private vehicles or boats Filling or maintaining a swimming pool, paddling pool, hot tub or cold-water plunge pool at home Filling or maintaining a domestic pond or ornamental fountain Cleaning your home's walls or windows yourself Cleaning paths, patios or artificial outdoor surfaces You'll still be able to use a watering can or bucket to water your garden and for other activities. Southern Water adds: "Customers on our Priority Services Register with medical or mobility needs, including Blue Badge holders and those on our WaterSure tariff, are exempt." What happens if you use a hosepipe during a ban? Customers who ignore the ban could face fines of up to £1,000, but Southern Water has said they "hope it doesn't come to that". Recommended reading: Its website adds: "We aim to communicate first, providing information about why it's important not to use a hosepipe during restrictions, but enforcement may follow for repeated or serious breaches. "Water companies can ask customers to follow a hosepipe ban under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. "The Act gives us powers to fine customers up to £1,000 if they ignore it."
BBC News
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Large crowds enjoy 149th Driffield Show in East Yorkshire
Thousands of people attended this year's Driffield enjoyed livestock competitions, exhibitions and food and drink stalls at the annual highlights included dog and pony shows, a junior showjumping competition, craft sessions and gardening classes, as well as displays of the latest farming technology and a motorbike stunt on and off since 1854, the agricultural event takes place on the Driffield Showground just outside the East Yorkshire town. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'John Torode's future on TV must depend on one thing'
EXCLUSIVE: A PR expert has weighed in on the future careers for Gregg Wallace and John Torode after they have now both been axed from MasterChef amid damning claims Gregg Wallace and John Torode's secure futures on TV have been shattered following their axes from MasterChef after 20 years. Former greengcrocer Wallace, 60, was given the boot first following multiple allegations levelled at him. This week, a report from legal firm Lewis Silkin said 45 out of 83 accusations against Wallace were corroborated. The report stated that two other people had substantiated claims about them. Just hours later, Torode outed himself as one of the individual's as he said he'd been accused of using a racist remark. The TV chef, 59, has insisted he does not remember saying the "offensive" slur, which he is said to have made eight years ago. Last night, Torode said he only learned about his sacking for using it through the BBC News website, as he followed Wallace out of the door. Following the shock double axing, a PR expert has revealed to the Mirror what the future may look like for the pair. Celebrity PR Specialist Kayley Cornelius told us: 'While MasterChef may be able to recover from this controversy, the same optimism can't be shared for host Gregg Wallace, whose presenting career will now undoubtedly be over. With an overwhelming number of upheld accounts against him, it would take a broadcaster with real guts to commission him for another TV show. 'In an age of cancel culture, and with broadcasters already struggling to hold on to viewers, many simply can't afford to take the risk of welcoming Wallace back—not just financially, but internally too. Given the risk he poses to himself and others, if he were to return to the studios, I'm sure many staff would begin to turn their backs and protest against working with him." She explained: 'The presenting sector is quickly becoming a saturated space, with new talent constantly emerging. Like a revolving door, when one leaves, there's always another ready to step in—reducing demand. "For Gregg, his path is already mapped out. It only takes looking at similar cases, such as Wynne Evans and Phillip Schofield —who have both recently faced comparable allegations and have since struggled to return to TV—to see what lies ahead for him. I believe history will repeat itself." Substantiated Gregg Wallace accusations Forty-five allegations made against Gregg Wallace during his time on MasterChef, including one of 'unwelcome physical contact', were found to have been report substantiated:– Twelve claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendo;– Sixteen reports he made sexually explicit comments;– Two allegations that he made sexualised comments to or about someone;– Four complaints that he made culturally insensitive or racist comments;– Three claims that he was in a state of undress;– Seven allegations of bullying;– One allegation of unwanted allegations span from 2005 to 2024 Kayley believes Torode may stand an ever so slightly better chance despite the claim against him. Speaking to the Mirror on behalf of Betfeed, she said: 'For co-host John Torode however, it may be a slightly different story. "His TV career hangs in the balance, and only time will tell what his future could look like. If more allegations and statements come to light, like Wallace, it would likely be game over for him, too. 'Although, if the incident at hand remains an isolated account, there's potential he could edge his way back into the industry—provided he takes some time away, proves to fans that he is sincerely sorry, and shows he has changed since those remarks." She concluded: "That said, like Gregg, he also faces the same issue of broadcasters not being able to invest in risky talent for fear of losing viewers. So, while there is a chance John could return to TV depending on the outcome of further investigations, I don't believe it would be on the same scale as prime-time, and he may have to return on a smaller level.' In awkward timing, BBC Director General Tim Davie was grilled on the future of MasterChef during the release of the annual report. Asked exactly what Torode said, Mr Davie last night replied: "I'm not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly it was serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form." In relation to MasterChef's future, the BBC boss continued: "I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. It absolutely 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."
