Latest news with #CelebrityMasterChef
Daily Record
19 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Gregg Wallace complainant 'feels sorry' for him and slams John Torode
Radio presenter Aasmah Mir has opened up about her experience on Celebrity MasterChef after complaining about Gregg Wallace's language, admitting that she feels 'sorry' for him. A contestant who appeared on Celebrity MasterChef has revealed that she "feels sorry" for Gregg Wallace after complaining about his language on the BBC show's set. Aasmah Mir took part in the show back in 2017 and later complained to the show after Gregg Wallace allegedly referred to a BBC colleague as a "sexy b***h". Last week, Gregg was fired by Banijay after a report found that 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour were upheld following a seven-month probe into his behaviour, reports the Mirror. Speaking to Good Morning Britain today, Aasmah opened up about her "uncomfortable experience" with him - but revealed that she feels sorry for the axed presenter. She said: "I feel sorry for him, I do feel sorry for Gregg Wallace because of the neurodivergence, which is quite obvious here. "But someone - the production company - should have stepped in earlier and said, 'this is not acceptable.' We wouldn't have the mess we have today." Aasmah shared Gregg's alleged comment to her last year when he stepped down from hosting MasterChef during the investigation into his behaviour. Speaking about how she felt at the time, Aasmah said on GMB today: "It's not the worst thing in the world, no one has died but it was an uncomfortable experience. "I remember feeling destabilised and I remember my cheeks were burning because I was thinking, 'What happened there?'" She added that John Torode did not react to Gregg's comment. "No one said anything. Both Gregg Wallace and John Torode looked completely blank, poker face. Like nothing had happened." "I don't know how many of the substantiated allegations he witnessed so I can only talk about my own, but all I know is Gregg Wallace used an incredibly inappropriate term and John Torode didn't do anything. There was no emotion. "That could be because it was 2017, it had been going on since 2005 - the programme. Maybe he'd just become used to it? You would expect some emotion on his face perhaps but maybe he was just used to it and that's not his fault necessarily. It's Gregg Wallace's for putting him in that position." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Earlier this week, John Torode was sacked from MasterChef after Lewis Silkin's report into Gregg Wallace's behaviour upheld an allegation against him of using racist language. While John denied the allegation, the BBC said that it takes the finding "extremely seriously", adding: "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. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed." John - who said he had "no recollection" of the incident happening - is preparing to take legal action against the BBC. A source told The Mirror: "He wants to pursue them 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."
Daily Record
19 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Good Morning Britain fans distracted by Kate Garraway 'detail' minutes into programme
Good Morning Britain viewers quickly shared their frustration after spotting an awkward Kate Garraway detail on Thursday Good Morning Britain fans were left distracted by a Kate Garraway "detail" just minutes into Thursday's (July 17) programme. During the latest broadcast of the popular ITV morning show, Kate and her co-host Richard Madeley brought the nation up to speed with the most recent developments from the UK and beyond. The pair discussed next week's five-day strike by resident doctors, and had a chat with actor Martin Shaw, who once passed up the opportunity to portray James Bond. In addition to this, Kate and Richard offered guidance on child safety following warnings about the risks associated with giving slushie drinks to children under seven. Weather updates were regularly provided by Laura Tobin in the studio, while Marverine Cole delivered the rest of the day's news bulletins, reports the Mirror. Yet, it was the apparent lack of coordination between Kate and Richard that caught the attention of viewers, as they seemed to frequently talk over one another. One viewer took to X (formerly Twitter) to comment: "Richard and Kate talking over each other- awkward lol." Another expressed their frustration: "Why are Richard and Kate over talking each other. F****** annoying!" and a third lamented: "Richard is not letting Kate finish her sentences. So painful to watch." A fourth chimed in with a similar observation: "I get the feeling Kate and Richard don't like each other. It's always a match on who will talk first." And yet another viewer noted: "All I am hearing is one female presenter talking over the top of everyone else." Meanwhile, another exasperated fan issued a demand, saying, "@GMB, can you please get Richard and Kate to stop talking over each other? It's horrible to watch." This isn't the first time that Kate has distracted GMB viewers, as she was recently spotted wearing the same outfit used in another ITV fashion segment. Elsewhere on today's show, Kate and Richard spoke to former Celebrity MasterChef star Aasmah Mir, following the news of both Gregg Wallace and John Torode's sacking from the show. The hosts were also joined by entertainment reporter Richard Arnold, who shared exciting news about the final season of Stranger Things and HBO's new Harry Potter series.
Metro
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Who could replace John Torode and Gregg Wallace as BBC's new MasterChef's judges
Now John Torode and Gregg Wallace have been fired from BBC's MasterChef – who could be stepping into their shoes? The overhaul comes after an independent review commissioned by production company Banijay, into misconduct accusations against Wallace, 60, upheld 45 of the 83 allegations, leading to his official removal from the cooking reality series. Torode, 59, exited hot on his heels after admitting he was subject to the racial language accusation featured in the review, although he has claimed he has 'no recollection' of the incident. The BBC is now deciding what to do with all their pre-recorded content, including one MasterChef season with Torode and Wallace, and a Celebrity MasterChef season, as well as two festive specials with just Torode. The broadcaster has reiterated its commitment to giving the amateur chefs featured in the unaired season their chance to shine. Meanwhile, the director-general Tim Davie has said he sees a future for the show beyond 2028 (the year until which the contract is currently renewed), all of which means, new hosts are likely to be announced at some point. According to the latest rumours, here's who could be helming the show for its fresh start. Coming in strong as a frontrunner is restaurant critic Grace Dent, who was already tipped to be replacing Wallace even before Torode's sacking. The I'm A Celeb star, 51, started her journey on the BBC reality competition series as a contestant on the 2023 Christmas special. After Wallace was removed from the series at the end of 2024 after the misconduct allegation first came to light, Dent stepped in for him alongside Torode to film the new season of Celebrity MasterChef. Although it was unclear whether she would make the jump to the amateur series as a permanent replacement for Gregg, all signs point towards yes. Last week, The Sun reported that she was being lined up to take over to provide the show with a 'fresh start'. 'Grace is a natural fit for the show,' a source told the publication. 'She is also hosting Celebrity MasterChef alongside John. Grace loves to support up-and-coming talent in the industry and loves the format of the show.' Meanwhile, Pointless host Richard Osman added on the Rest is Entertainment podcast: 'Grace Dent hosted half of the celebrity one – whether we'll see that or not – but she can continue to host the celebrity one very very easily.' Earlier this year, BBC star Matt Tebbutt, 51, was posed as a potential replacement on both The Professionals and the traditional series after his success almost decade-long success presenting Saturday Kitchen. 'Matt rose to the challenge of coming into Saturday Kitchen after it was previously hosted by another big name in the world of food, James Martin,' an insider told The Sun at the time. The source added: 'He managed the feat of making it his own and almost making viewers forget who his predecessor was – now Beeb bosses, and the show producers Banijay, will be hoping he can work the same magic on MasterChef.' Osman added: 'There are so many great food presenters, Matt Tebbutt is now doing stuff on the professionals one for example, he'd be an amazing host for it.' What's more, in recent weeks, Tebbutt has also hinted that his tenure on Saturday Kitchen could come to an end in the near future. 'It's going to stop at some point. I'm going to have to do something,' he said on a podcast in March. Great British Menu star Andi Oliver, 62, has come forward as a top candidate to take over. According to the Gogglebox star has quickly become the fan-favourite at 5/2. 'Known for her upbeat energy and authority on Great British Menu, Andi's culinary credibility has made her a top choice among fans and bookmakers alike,' the site explained, per the Mirror. This casting would also mean she makes history as the first Black woman to present the show. Speaking about the MasterChef scandal when it first kicked off last year, Oliver told The Guardian 'there's a certain culture that allows it to happen.' The Stirring It Up podcast host (presented with her daughter Miquita Oliver) added: 'Culture will only change if we stop all the fake outrage and actually implement change.' Michelin-starred English chef Tom Kerridge is hot on Oliver's heels with his odds at 3/1. The multi-restaurant owner (Hand and Flowers and Coach) has hosted various BBC shows including The Hidden World of Hospitality, Tom Kerridge's Fresh Start and Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge – so he has form. Odds analyst Dave James told The Mirror that Tom 'is attracting a lot of support.' James added: 'His profile is huge, and he's one of the most trusted names in British food. This could come down to what direction the BBC wants – prestige, relatability, or a bit of both.' Influencer Poppy O'Toole is a more left-field suggestion, but going strong in the odds at 4/1. The TikTok star grew to fame for her 'potato' series in which she showcased the many, many ways you can cook the humble spud. Now, she boasts 4.8 million followers. The chef, who has a strong following among the younger generation, has also made the jump to mainstream media as a regular fixture on ITV's This Morning and has even appeared as a judge on Cooking with the Stars. The cookbook writer could well draw in new viewers to the show as it heralds in a new era. There are several other names in the mix from the high-profile stars such as James Martin and Nigella Lawson, to those who have already played in the MasterChef field. More Trending This includes The Professionals judge Marcus Wareing and Irish chef Anna Haugh, who has stepped in for Wallace already. British-Italian cook Angela Hartnett, who was Gordon Ramsey's protégée, has also been floated as an option with her odds at 5/1. She has also appeared as a judge on Great British Menu with Andi, giving them a pre-existing working relationship. Finally, Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain's name has also been floated – although the BBC recently announced they would not be producing anymore shows with her, which she has vocally criticised. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: John Torode doesn't remember using racist language – that's a problem MORE: Sky's Dermot Murnaghan 'mistakenly thought he was being tested for prostate cancer' before stage 4 diagnosis MORE: The Great British Sewing Bee is back – but I miss Kiell Smith-Bynoe
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
John Torode to take legal action against BBC after MasterChef dismissal over alleged racist comment
John Torode is apparently preparing to sue the BBC after he was sacked from MasterChef over a racism allegation. John Torode is apparently gearing up to pursue legal proceedings against the BBC following his dismissal from MasterChef. The chef was axed from the cookery programme after accusations of using "an extremely offensive racist term" were substantiated. Torode claimed he had "no recollection" of the incident - and revealed in a public statement that he'd only discovered his contract had been terminated when the BBC and production company Banijay released the announcement. Sources close to the television personality now reveal he's consulting employment solicitors as he battles to "clear his name". "John is gearing up to file the legal challenge against the BBC," an insider reveals. "He wants to pursue them for wrongful dismissal. He's telling associates there's no evidence of his alleged remark. "It wasn't during working hours, it was merely gossip. John is determined to restore his reputation." The 59-year-old Torode departed the BBC alongside his MasterChef presenting partner Gregg Wallace amid claims of racist language. The Australian television personality maintains he was unaware of the "offensive" remark he stands accused of making, despite solicitors Lewis Silkin supporting the complaint - reportedly dating back to 2018 - in their independent inquiry into the programme, reports the Mirror. This followed the firm supporting 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace, 60, including "unwanted physical contact", "being in a state of undress", harassment and inappropriate humour. Torode himself acknowledged he faced an accusation, stating: "I do not believe that it happened." The source indicated the decision caught the Corporation off guard. "John is a tough talking Aussie and does not stand to ceremony. The BBC were not expecting John Torode to jump the gun about the comment and make a statement." MasterChef's production company Banijay UK confirmed that after discussions with Torode and the BBC, they "are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef". However, in a statement released on Tuesday night, Torode remarked: "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 announced that Celebrity MasterChef, which he recently filmed with food critic Grace Dent, along with two Christmas specials, would be his final appearances. "Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else." BBC Director General Davie, speaking to BBC News on Tuesday afternoon, described the allegation against Torode as involving "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," he added. "We've drawn a line in the sand." The Mirror has learned that ITV is poised to back John Torode and throw his television career a lifeline. Insiders at the broadcaster have indicated that there are "no current changes to scheduling" for the upcoming weekend, ensuring that the third instalment of 'John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen' will air as planned at 11.40am on Saturday. The show, which Torode co-hosts with his wife Lisa Faulkner, celebrates its 10th anniversary series. An ITV insider remarked: "I think we will keep going with the show. We don't know the details of the BBC issue and have never had any trouble with him ourselves. We obviously have our own complaints handling procedure and a code of conduct for talent at ITV. There have been no issues raised with John so the series is set to continue to air." Another source commented on the situation's impact on Lisa, noting she is "conscious of their ITV show and doesn't want to jeopardise that." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
John Torode to take legal action against BBC after MasterChef sacking
John Torode is preparing to take legal action against the BBC after he was sacked from MasterChef, sources have revealed to us. He was sacked from the show after an allegation against him using of him using "an extremely offensive racist term" John Torode is preparing to take legal action against the BBC after he was sacked from MasterChef. He was ditched from the cooking show after an allegation against him using 'an extremely offensive racist term' was upheld. John said he had 'no recollection' of it happening - and in a statement told how he'd only found out his contract had been terminated after the Beeb and producers Banijay put out the news. Now sources close to the star say he's speaking to employment lawyers as he fights to 'clear his name.' 'John is preparing to launch the lawsuit against the BBC,' tells the insider. 'He wants to pursue them 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.' Torode, 59, followed his MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace out of the door at the BBC for allegedly using racist language. The Australian star continues to insist he had no knowledge of the 'offensive' comment he was accused of making, despite lawyers Lewis Silkin upholding the complaint, said to be from 2018 in their independent investigation into the series. It came after the firm upheld 45 out of 83 claims against Wallace, 60, including 'unwanted physical contact', 'being in a state of undress', bullying and inappropriate jokes. Torode himself revealed he was the subject on an allegation, saying: 'I do not believe that it happened.' The source said the move took the Beeb by surprise. 'John is a tough talking Aussie and does not stand to ceremony. The BBC were not expecting John Torode to jump the gun about the comment and make a statement.' MasterChef production company Banijay UK said it had discussed the matter with Torode and with the BBC and that they 'are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef '. But in a statement released on Tuesday night, 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 said Celebrity MasterChef, which he recently filmed with food critic Grace Dent, along with two Christmas specials, would be his last. 'Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else.' Speaking to BBC News on Tuesday afternoon, BBC Director General Davie 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,' he said. 'We've drawn a line in the sand.' It comes as the Mirror can reveal ITV are set to stand by John Torode and give his TV career a lifeline. Multiple sources at the channel said there were 'no current changes to scheduling' for the weekend. This means the third episode of John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen will go out at 11.40am on Saturday. He hosts the show with wife Lisa Faulkner and it is the 10th anniversary series on air. One ITV source said: 'I think we will keep going with the show. We don't know the details of the BBC issue and have never had any trouble with him ourselves. We obviously have our own complaints handling procedure and a code of conduct for talent at ITV. There have been no issues raised with John so the series is set to continue to air.' Another source said the developments have been 'hard for Lisa', who is 'conscious of their ITV show and doesn't want to jeopardise that.' Torode's dismissal comes as the BBC confirmed that several members of staff have been sacked following a recent review into the corporation's culture. Samir Shah, chairman of the BBC, acknowledged that some powerful individuals still make life 'unbearable' for their colleagues. Speaking as the corporation released its annual report on Tuesday, he acknowledged that over the past year there had been a 'string of revelations' about abuses of power at the corporation. Our staff are dedicated, hardworking and treat each other with respect,' he said. 'However, there are pockets in the organisation where this is not the case. There are still places where powerful individuals - on and off-screen - can abuse that power to make life for their colleagues unbearable.' Director-general Tim Davie insisted he can lead the BBC in the 'right way' after the series of scandals. The corporation has been criticised for recent failings, which include breaching its own editorial guidelines and allegations surrounding the former MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode. Asked after the release of the 2024/2025 annual report whether he would resign, he said: 'I simply think I'm in a place where I can work to improve dramatically the BBC and lead it in the right way. 'There's enormous, massive noise and different opinions about what we should do, but I think we have been clear. We are making the right decisions. We're being transparent. I would also say that... I've set a very clear stall out in terms of impartiality.' Question marks now hang over the full recording of BBC1 's amateur version of MasterChef, put on ice over the probe into Wallace, and the 20th celebrity series, with 20 faces yet to be named, plus judge Grace Dent. But Davie insisted the show would survive. '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.'
