Latest news with #Masterchef
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders future 'uncertain' as BBC questioned amid John Torode sacking
EastEnders'Jamie Borthwick kept his job after using an ableist slur when he was on Strictly, but Masterchef judge John Torode was sacked over racism allegations. Jamie Borthwick's time on EastEnders has reportedly been brought into question amid the BBC's sacking of John Torode. It previously emerged that actor, who plays Jay Brown on the BBC soap, had used a disabled slur when he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last year, and after it was revealed that Masterchef judge John Torode had been sacked from the broadcaster's culinary competition show for allegedly using the N-word twice, insiders have claimed that the "difference in treatment" of each of the stars has become a topic of concern, especially when considering the "very similar" nature of the complaints. A source told The Sun: "The BBC have tied themselves into knots with this - for them both stars appear to have used unacceptable and offensive language but only one has been sacked while another has kept his lucrative salary and got away with just a suspension. There doesn't appear to be any rhyme nor reason with how the BBC chooses to implement its own rules and people are questioning why." The insider also claimed that various disabled colleagues have been left with questions over the incident, and claimed that they don't feel taken "seriously" when it comes to ableist slurs, adding: "Disabled colleagues have been left wondering why incidents of ableist slurs seemingly aren't being taken as seriously as racist language and there are no clear answers coming from bosses.' The 30-year-old actor has since apologised for using the derogatory word to describe locals in Blackpool, where Strictly filmed their special ballroom towards the end of 2024. It's reported footage was made of Jamie using the word, which was then sent to one of his friends. After the allegations emerged, Jamie issued an apology, stating: "I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. At the time, the soap star rounded off his statement by claiming that he "did not fully understand" the term he used, but still took full responsibility for his actions, as he said: "It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong." Last month, it was claimed that Jamie was trying to "right the wrongs" in his life but, according to an ex, it was "not clear" at that stage whether he would keep his EastEnders job. News of John's allegations emerged on Tuesday after production company Banijay said that an investigation into his co-star Gregg Wallace 's behaviour by firm Lewis Silkin had "substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against" John, 59. John however said in a statement: "I have no recollection of what I'm accused of." It's now been suggested that John, who had co-hosted the cooking show since 2005, used the N-word twice. John is said to vehemently deny ever using the racial slur. Earlier this week John came forward as the person alleged to have used racist language, after the allegation was upheld in a report into John's colleague Gregg Wallace's behaviour. John said he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened. Later, Richard Osman spoke out to claim the ex MasterChef host used the 'worst racial slur there is'. And now it's been reported Torode allegedly used the N-word twice. The Sun reports that he repeated lyrics, containing the N-word, from Kanye West 's song Gold Digger at an after-work gathering six or seven years ago. He's then said to have used the word again whilst speaking to a member of the MasterChef production team. John allegedly used the word a second time when speaking to a member of the production team, described as a "pal" who reportedly didn't take offence. According to the outlet, the person who raised the complaint on that occasion is said to have overheard the conversation. His friend reportedly thought John used the slur as an "example" and "apologised afterwards". The publication adds that it's been told that John vehemently denies ever using the N-word, whether that be in song lyrics or otherwise. A source said that he's "utterly devastated" and "just wants to clear his name" amid the scandal.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
MasterChef fans start campaign for telly favourite to land hosting spot after John Torode and Gregg Wallace axed
MASTERCHEF fans have declared another TV chef as their favourite to take over from John Torode after his exit from the long-running programme. 6 The fight for the MasterChef hosting spots is on Credit: PA 6 Andi, pictured with daughter Miquita, is a fan favourite Credit: Getty 6 Andi has already built a bubbly reputation as host of Great British Menu Credit: BBC The chef has maintained he has 'no recollection' of the incident itself and did not believe it happened, with the report noting a complaint was not received at the time, but had been raised with investigators. The BBC was also unable to specify the time or date of the allegation, narrowing it down to '2018 or 2019'. Regardless, after the production team confirmed they would not be renewing his contract, Now fans have started speculating over who could take his place, with READ MORE MASTERCHEF Andi, mother of another presenting fave Miquita Oliver, has been host of Great British Menu for the past nine years – another BBC long-running cooking show that pits established chefs against each other in heats before the finale banquet. Now cooking show superfans believe she could be the saviour of the flailing show now that both of the hosts have been booted. Speaking on 'Andi Oliver, Grace [Dent] and Jay [Rayner],' responded another. Most read in TV "I think they're among a small group that would at least make it feel like there was a reason to keep watching. 'I suspect it'll be a mash up of one of the mainstays with a whole new person from the bottom drawer of the beeb to 'reinvigorate' the series though,' they added. Masterchef meltdown as BBC asked John Torode to RESIGN over 'racist remark' before Gregg Wallace sacking 'Andi would be beyond excellent,' said a second. 'I'd also love to see Jay Rayner in the role. What about a three presenter lineup?' The Story So Far Torode's exit comes eight months after co-host Gregg Wallace had multiple complaints made against him while on the set of MasterChef. Following the complaints, an inquiry carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin for production company Banijay produced Of all the complaints, only one is believed to involve Torode in any way, with the chef reportedly making a 'racist remark' in a social situation, without malicious intent and with an immediate apology. A source close to him saying he was 'absolutely devastated to have been pulled into this mess'. The dad of four later said in a statement: 'The allegation is I did so sometime between 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and the person I was speaking with did not believe it was intended in a malicious way and I apologised immediately afterwards. "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. 'However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.' 6 Andi has been hosting Great British Menu for 10 years Credit: BBC 6 John and Gregg have both been axed from MasterChef Credit: Alamy 6 Will Andi be on hand to look after the up-and-coming stars of MasterChef? Credit: BBC
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
MasterChef fans start campaign for telly favourite to land hosting spot after John Torode and Gregg Wallace axed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MASTERCHEF fans have declared another TV chef as their favourite to take over from John Torode after his exit from the long-running programme. Torode was axed from the BBC favourite after 20 years this weekend, after a complaint of racist language was upheld against him during the investigation into co-host Gregg Wallace's behaviour. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 The fight for the MasterChef hosting spots is on Credit: PA 6 Andi, pictured with daughter Miquita, is a fan favourite Credit: Getty 6 Andi has already built a bubbly reputation as host of Great British Menu Credit: BBC The chef has maintained he has 'no recollection' of the incident itself and did not believe it happened, with the report noting a complaint was not received at the time, but had been raised with investigators. The BBC was also unable to specify the time or date of the allegation, narrowing it down to '2018 or 2019'. Regardless, after the production team confirmed they would not be renewing his contract, Torode acknowledged in his own statement it was 'time to pass the cutlery to somebody else' when it came to the show. Now fans have started speculating over who could take his place, with Andi Oliver emerging the current favourite. Andi, mother of another presenting fave Miquita Oliver, has been host of Great British Menu for the past nine years – another BBC long-running cooking show that pits established chefs against each other in heats before the finale banquet. Now cooking show superfans believe she could be the saviour of the flailing show now that both of the hosts have been booted. Speaking on Reddit, one fan wrote: 'Probably jumping the gun on new presenters, But Andi Oliver and Lisa Goodwin-Allen were a great double act in GBM.' 'Andi Oliver, Grace [Dent] and Jay [Rayner],' responded another. "I think they're among a small group that would at least make it feel like there was a reason to keep watching. 'I suspect it'll be a mash up of one of the mainstays with a whole new person from the bottom drawer of the beeb to 'reinvigorate' the series though,' they added. Masterchef meltdown as BBC asked John Torode to RESIGN over 'racist remark' before Gregg Wallace sacking 'Andi would be beyond excellent,' said a second. 'I'd also love to see Jay Rayner in the role. What about a three presenter lineup?' The Story So Far Torode's exit comes eight months after co-host Gregg Wallace had multiple complaints made against him while on the set of MasterChef. Following the complaints, an inquiry carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin for production company Banijay produced a report that upheld 45 of 83 allegations of bad behaviour against Wallace. Of all the complaints, only one is believed to involve Torode in any way, with the chef reportedly making a 'racist remark' in a social situation, without malicious intent and with an immediate apology. A source close to him saying he was 'absolutely devastated to have been pulled into this mess'. The dad of four later said in a statement: 'The allegation is I did so sometime between 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and the person I was speaking with did not believe it was intended in a malicious way and I apologised immediately afterwards. "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. 'However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.' 6 Andi has been hosting Great British Menu for 10 years Credit: BBC 6 John and Gregg have both been axed from MasterChef Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
MasterChef fans start petition for BBC to sign fan-favourite TV cook as John Torode's replacement after shock sacking
MASTERCHEF fans have launched a petition for the BBC to sign a fan favourite TV cook as John Torode's replacement. The Aussie chef, 59, Advertisement 4 MasterChef fans have declared who they'd like to replace John Torode Credit: BBC 4 John and Gregg Wallace began co-hosting MasterChef in 2005 Credit: BBC 4 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. Advertisement Read more on MasterChef 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." Advertisement Most read in News TV 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. Advertisement "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. Advertisement "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. Advertisement "Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef." 4 Si is well-known for working with the late Dave Myers as the Hairy Bikers Credit: PA
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
MasterChef fans start petition for BBC to sign fan-favourite TV cook as John Torode's replacement after shock sacking
Scroll to see who fans said they want to join the hit BBC show fans' demands MasterChef fans start petition for BBC to sign fan-favourite TV cook as John Torode's replacement after shock sacking Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MASTERCHEF fans have launched a petition for the BBC to sign a fan favourite TV cook as John Torode's replacement. The Aussie chef, 59, was axed from MasterChef after allegedly using a racist remark. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 MasterChef fans have declared who they'd like to replace John Torode Credit: BBC 4 John and Gregg Wallace began co-hosting MasterChef in 2005 Credit: BBC 4 Fans have suggested Si King as a possible replacement Credit: Rex It comes as a report upheld 45 of 83 allegations of bad behaviour against his co-host Gregg Wallace, who was also axed last week. 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. 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." 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 confirmed in a statement that Torode is axed from the show. A statement read: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. "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. "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: Matt Tebbutt Grace Dent Andi Oliver Si King 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. "Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef."
