Latest news with #RichardOsman
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Richard Osman says he pined for wife Ingrid Oliver for a year before meeting on the set of his BBC show - after therapist told him his 'journey would only end when he found love'
Richard Osman admits he pined for wife Ingrid Oliver over a protracted 12-month period before finally meeting her for the first time on the set of a BBC quiz show. Osman exchanged vows with the actress in 2022 following a whirlwind romance that began two years earlier, when she featured as a guest on his popular House Of Games TV series. But the presenter and author, 54, admits he was already interested in Oliver - best known for her former role as Petronella Osgood in Doctor Who - through their previous interactions on social media. 'I was aware of Ingrid from social media and thought she was very funny, but beyond a single tweet we'd never communicated,' he told the Sunday Times. 'I asked our mutual friend, the comedian Lou Sanders, to check if Ingrid was available. She wasn't. Twelve months later, in 2021, Ingrid was a guest on my quiz show House of Games. 'This time Lou told me Ingrid was available, so I spent a long day in front of the cameras desperately trying not to flirt. I made eye contact less with her than any other guest ever.' Already a father of two from a former relationship, Osman had turned to therapy in an attempt to address an addiction to food and confront his negative body image, but remained hopeful that 'the right person was out there' before finally meeting Oliver. 'I got to a point where I was happy in myself and my work but my therapist said, 'You won't finish your journey until you're in a relationship.'' he recalled. 'He was right. I've always wanted to be part of a team.' Osman and Oliver, 48, moved in together just weeks after meeting on set, but the actress admits she was initially reticent about the prospect of marriage after seeing her parents marry 'eight times in total between them' during a tumultuous childhood. She said: 'I'd seen marriages not working, so I never wanted to make that commitment unless I knew for sure.' Unbeknownst to Osman, the actress had also embarked on a failed IVF journey the year before they met. 'When Richard first asked Lou if I was single, I was. I was aware of him from Twitter and the telly, and I thought he was a lovely, kind, clever man, but I'd decided to try IVF and thought, I can't do this if I'm dating,' she recalled. 'But even then — and I don't want to sound stalkerish — I had an inkling we'd get together later. I tried IVF three times (it was brutal) before accepting defeat. When Richard got back in touch, I'd made my peace with that process and was ready to move on.' Osman previously told HELLO magazine of their meeting: 'Ingrid came on House of Games. I knew who she was through social media. We'd never met – I had never met her. I had a little twinkle in my eye, I'll admit that. 'She came on, we filmed that day together. Our first date is completely on camera. After filming, I was thinking, "How can I ask her for a drink, this is difficult."' Appearing on the Christmas Day edition of Desert Island Discs in 2022, he said: 'I'm happy with myself, I've got these beautiful kids, I've met the woman who I'm going to be with for the rest of my life. 'That thing of competition and ambition, you soon realise that rocket fuel disappears and it's about happiness and my kids bring me happiness and Ingrid brings me happiness.'
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Win two tickets to ‘In Conversation at Kew' to see Gardeners' World stars
IF you fancy listening to two top gardeners chat all things plants - in stunning surroundings - then 'In Conversation At Kew' is for you. Spread over four days - the 1 Kew promise lively conversation, behind the scenes stories and gardening insights. There's chats with Richard Osman, Matt Baker and Alexander Armstrong on various days. But on Saturday September 6, And we've got two 2 x lunchtime and two afternoon tickets to give away. To enter fill in the form below. Read More Gardening Or write to PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. August 2, 2025. T&Cs apply
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Win two tickets to ‘In Conversation at Kew' to see Gardeners' World stars
IF you fancy listening to two top gardeners chat all things plants - in stunning surroundings - then 'In Conversation At Kew' is for you. Spread over four days - the Kew extravaganza it showcases the best of British TV, History, Gardening and the Countryside - with famous hosts chatting to well known faces. 1 There's chats with Richard Osman, Matt Baker and Alexander Armstrong on various days. But on Saturday September 6, Nicki Chapman will be chatting to Adam Frost and Frances Tophill from Gardeners World. And we've got two 2 x lunchtime and two afternoon tickets to give away. To enter fill in the form below. Or write to PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. August 2, 2025. T&Cs apply
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC sacked MasterChef host John Torode after 'using N-word twice while singing along to Kanye West song during after work drinks'
New reports have claimed the BBC sacked John Torode after he allegedly 'used the N-word twice while singing along to a Kanye West song'. The MasterChef host, 59, was reportedly singing the rapper's hit Gold Digger when he was allegedly 'caught using the racist term during after work drinks six or seven years ago'. The Sun claims Torode used the word again whilst chatting to a friend on the MasterChef's production team, who didn't take offence. The Australian-born chef has insisted 'he had absolutely no recollection' of using a racist term while drinking with colleagues seven years ago. The person who raised the complaint is understood to have 'overheard the conversation'. The production pal allegedly backed Torode and said he only used the racial slur as an 'example' and 'apologised afterwards'. MailOnline has contacted BBC and Torode's representatives for comment. A witness told investigators he had apologised immediately, 'was mortified' and 'didn't use the term as a slur' in 2018. The BBC said on Tuesday that Torode's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' during an evening out after filming the show. The corporation has refused to say what the racist term was - as has Torode, who has claimed he did 'not believe that it happened'. But it was today described as the 'worst racial slur there is' by Richard Osman, who added of the investigation: 'They found that to be substantively true. They found evidence that they were happy with — that that was true'. On Thursday, The Times claimed that two people 'close to the report' alleged that Torode had used the N-word. There has also been feverish speculation online for days that this was the slur he allegedly used. Torode has left MasterChef after having an allegation of using racist language was upheld against him. He faced nine allegations of poor behaviour between 2012 and 2019. Investigators said of the other eight that two could not be substantiated and there was insufficient evidence in the remaining six. One insider told MailOnline on Thursday that there was 'relief' at MasterChef HQ that Torode is gone, saying he was 'horrible' to work with at times. John Torode, pictured with his wife Lisa Faulkner, has said 'he had absolutely no recollection' of the incident and did 'not believe that it happened' A third source claimed they had found him to be a 'very rude and patronising man'. Torode was sacked after being accused of saying the 'worst racial slur there is' 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 problems. 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 that his sources were shocked when they heard Torode's claim he was not told he was being sacked before it was announced. 'This is not woke gone mad. He used I think probably the worst racial slur there is and they found that to be substantively true. They found evidence they were happy with. He said that he couldn't remember it. But that one was upheld', Richard said. 'More people are going to come out. They [the BBC and Banijay] are going public with the things they believe will stand up in court'. He added: 'If I were working at Banijay I would not be comfortable with that person working on a production that I was on.' Osman claimed that Torode was offered a year off and some training as a 'second chance' - but he refused. So he was fired. 'My understanding is that they took John Torode aside. And said we believe this happened and you used this language. He denied it. They said to him: "We will accept if you want to take a year off. You have to do a mandatory training course to understand and accept this is something we want in our workplace". 'That was denied. He said of course not. I didn't do it. Why would I do this', Richard claimed. Osman dismissed claims by Torode he wasn't told by the BBC or Banijay that he was being sacked. He said: 'My understanding is that isn't true. The first time he heard it was when he was told it.' And on the claims Torode was told by the BBC he could quit blaming a mental health crisis, he added: 'I have rarely heard a more vehement denial from everyone involved that that conversation certainly didn't happen.' 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 Torode 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 Wallace to co-host with Torode. 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.' 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 Torode was revealed in the report into co-presenter Wallace's inappropriate behaviour. Wallace, 60, was sacked after dozens of complaints against him were upheld. Torode 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 him 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.' Mr Davie added: 'I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
John Torode sacked by BBC after being accused of using N-word while singing along to Kanye West song Gold Digger
MASTERCHEF presenter John Torode was sacked by the BBC for allegedly using the N-word twice. The Sun understands he repeated lyrics from rapper Kanye West's hit Gold Digger, which contain the racial slur, at an after-work gathering six or seven years ago. 4 4 Torode, 59, is said to have used the word again while chatting to a pal on the BBC show's production team. Richard Osman, ex-host on BBC quiz show Pointless, said Torode had used 'the worst racial slur' and the allegations were 'watertight'. Torode, who vehemently denies ever using the N-word, is 'utterly devastated' by the accusations. He was sacked this week after an investigation by the Beeb and production company Banijay. Torode allegedly used the word a second time when speaking to a member of the production team — who was a friend and did not take offence. The person who raised the complaint on that occasion is understood to have overheard the conversation And his production pal reckoned Torode only used the slur as an 'example' and 'apologised afterwards'. Those close to Torode said he vehemently denies ever using the N-word, whether in song lyrics or otherwise. But Richard Osman, host of BBC quiz show House of Games, weighed into the row and said he believed the allegations against Torode were 'watertight'. A source said: 'John is in a pretty bad way — he's feeling very fragile. 'He's utterly devastated and just wants to clear his name.' Aussie-born Torode was only spoken to by a representative from legal firm Lewis Silkin at the end of June as part of the inquiry into his MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace. A source added: 'One of the allegations is that he said the N-word while repeating Kanye's Gold Digger song during a gathering with his colleagues when filming had ended. 'John is adamant he would never have used the N-word and only knows the radio version of the song which says, 'Now I ain't sayin' she a gold digger, but she ain't messin' with no broke, broke'. The clean version of the song is the only one he knows. 'The person who raised the complaint didn't say anything at the time. So John only found out a few weeks ago that this issue had been raised. 'This has hit him like a ton of bricks as he does not recall it. 'And he insists he would never have repeated the N-word in those lyrics because he only knows the radio edit of that song.' Of the second allegation, a source close to Torode said he did not recall using the N-word. The source added: 'John is adamant he would never use this word while speaking to anyone. 'The person he is alleged to have said this to didn't complain, it was someone who overheard it. 'In fact he was close to the person he is supposed to have said it to and they got on very well while working together. 'Even the person who John was supposedly having the overheard conversation with said he had mentioned the word in reference and apologised straight away. 'But John has said he cannot recall the conversation and he would never use the N-word. He knows it is unacceptable and says he would never have said it. 'During his meeting John was in disbelief because he insisted he would never have used that word.' 4 Those close to Torode also criticised the BBC's handling of his departure, with his representatives only being made aware his contract wasn't being renewed after the BBC press office released a statement. A source added: 'John is devastated by all of this. 'He is being supported by his wife Lisa and his friends — they're keeping him close because he has really been struggling. 'John abhors this kind of language and does not recall ever reciting a racist slur in a lyric, or directing one to someone he considered a friend at work. 'He adored MasterChef. It was a huge part of his life. To have it all ending like this is awful.' Torode's celeb friends have also publicly spoken out on his behalf. Piers Morgan tweeted: 'Salem wants its witch trials back.' And media personality Christine Hamilton, a Celebrity MasterChef finalist, said: 'John Torode is one of the nicest, kindest guys I've ever met. His sacking by the vile BBC is deeply unjust and shows how deeply entrenched is their wokeism.' Richard Osman, former host of BBC quiz show Pointless, said on his podcast yesterday: 'He used, I think, probably the worst racial slur there is and they found that to be substantively true. 'They found evidence they were happy with. He said that he couldn't remember it. But that one was upheld.' Both Pointless and House of Games are part of Banijay UK's portfolio of shows. A spokesman for Banijay declined to comment. Wallace, 60, was officially sacked this week by the BBC and Banijay after an independent investigation was carried out into allegations of bad behaviour on the show between 2005 and 2024. A total of 45 out of 83 allegations against him were upheld. The majority were inappropriate sexual language, although one related to unwanted touching. The Sun revealed yesterday that the final series of MasterChef, with Wallace and Torode as hosts, will air 'once the dust has settled'. 4
