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Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
MasterChef winner defends John Torode and admits 'I feel awful'
MasterChef winner defends John Torode and admits 'I feel awful' Thomasina Miers became the first winner of a new look MasterChef when it launched in 2005, but now she has spoken out on what she thinks of the recent allegation against John Torode John Torode has been axed from MasterChef (Image: BBC) Former MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers has said that she "feels awful" after John Torode sacked from his role on the BBC show. After the pair were chosen to co-host the rebooted MasterChef in 2005, John Torode and Gregg Wallace formed what quickly became one of the most iconic duos in British TV. But their partnership was torn apart in recent weeks after 45 complaints were upheld against Wallace, which included one for "unwelcome physical contact" and three involving a state of undress. Meanwhile, soon after Wallace's demise his co-host Torode saw one allegation of racism upheld against him, leading to his dismissal. Torode has passionately denied the allegation of racism and has expressed his shock and sadness. Thomasina Miers won MasterChef in 2005 (Image:for Pen) Thomasina shared a look back to her time on the show during a chat on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast. She disclosed what she thought about the news of Torode's upheld allegation: "I felt awful for John. I mean, and also the elegance of his response to it, how he conducted himself." She added: "I think, yeah, I was kind of gobsmacked by John (the news of the allegation being upheld), who was so caring and intent on the people under his watch, under his care." Thomasina was crowned winner of MasterChef in the first of the rebooted series of the show in 2005. A year after winning the competition, she co-founded her own restaurant chain, the popular Mexican-style street food brand Wahaca, which now has 14 sites in the UK. John Torode saw an allegation of racism upheld against him (Image: Dave) Thomasina is not the only celebrity to show their support for Torode following the racism allegation. Amanda Holden and McFly star Danny Jones liked the former MasterChef star's post on Instagram from July 14 where he confirmed that he was the individual who was alleged to have used "racial language". A BBC spokesperson released a statement saying: "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. She was the first winner of the rebooted MasterChef in 2005 (Image: Getty Images for Freuds) "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." Article continues below The first three episodes of the latest series of MasterChef - featuring Torode and Wallace before they were axed - dropped on iPlayer yesterday morning (Wednesday, August 6). The episodes appear to have been edited to include fewer jokes between the pair and less chat between them and the amateur chefs than usual.
Edinburgh Live
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly Come Dancing's Tasha Ghouri hoping for 'marriage' after recent heartache
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Strictly Come Dancing's Tasha Ghouri has candidly shared details about her love life, confessing that she's open to romance and aspires to marry in the future. Tasha first rose to fame on the eighth season of Love Island, where she reached the final alongside Andrew Le Page, eventually finishing fourth. Following her time on Love Island, Tasha stepped onto the Strictly Come Dancing floor, describing her time on the show as a "dream come true." Despite reaching the final stages of Strictly, Tasha was narrowly beaten to the illustrious Glitterball trophy by comedian Chris McCausland and his partner, Dianne Buswell, with Chris notably becoming the first blind winner of the show. Meanwhile, Tasha's involvement was groundbreaking too; she became only the second deaf contestant to feature on the BBC programme. (Image: Joseph Okpako, WireImagevia Getty Images) In the midst of her televised achievements, Tasha faced personal trials as news surfaced about the end of her relationship with Andrew Le Page. Reflecting on their separation during a chat on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, Tasha provided insights into the decision, admitting: "My head was kind of saying, 'stay in it, just trust it, it will change,' but it didn't, and that's where we had to sit down and think, 'am I going to be happy in 10 years' time, five years' time, two years' time?'" (Image: Jeff Spicer,for Paramount Pictures) Emerging from her past break-up, Tasha has declared that she's ready to embrace romance once more, recently confiding in Heat magazine: "I feel ready to open those doors again and start dating." She even spoke about setting her sights on long-term commitments: "At some point, I do want to get married and have kids — that's still my goal." (Image: Antony Jones, Getty Images for Spotify) Delving deeper in the interview, she shared her lifelong desire for marriage and her particular hope for her grandmother to see her in a wedding dress, as she considers her nan to be her "best friend." Tasha, who relied solely on BSL for communication after being born with a hearing impairment, experienced a life-changing improvement when she received a cochlear implant at the age of five — a device implanted behind the ear to aid those with significant hearing loss. (Image: Lia Toby, Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures) Tasha has previously lent her help to a number of charities aimed at supporting the deaf community, including NDCS (National Deaf Children's Society), RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People), and Deaf Kidz International.
Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Fern Britton shares why she quit This Morning – but it's not what people expect
Highly regarded television presenter Fern Britton has opened up on her decision to leave This Morning in 2009 after spending an impressive 16 years working on the ITV show Fern Britton has discussed her decision to leave the popular ITV show This Morning in 2009, after years as a presenter on the programme. The 67-year-old began her broadcasting career as a newsreader on local radio stations, gradually working her way up to become the BBC's youngest national news presenter on Breakfast Time. She later took on various roles before joining GMTV as a presenter in 1993. That same year, she started guest presenting on ITV's This Morning, and by 1999, she had landed a permanent role on the show, co-presenting the Friday slot alongside John Leslie. Her role on the show became even more regular in 2002, when she began presenting alongside Phillip Schofield. However, seven years later, Fern decided to leave the programme, sparking rumours about the reasons behind her departure. There were widespread reports of a fallout with co-host Phillip, which he later commented on in his memoir, stating that their relationship "turned sour". Fern has also previously mentioned to Good Housekeeping that they are no longer friends, saying "we don't really (speak anymore)". In a recent interview on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, Fern sought to provide some clarity on the situation. Revealing the key reason for her decision to step away from the show, she said: "Well, it's 17 years ago, it's a long time. And I haven't really thought about that for a long time. I had a fantastic 10 years and I loved it." She continued: "But then after a bit, I needed to be back home again, as lots of things were going on. But the boys were about to do their A Levels, going into the two years of that, and the girls as well were leaving little school to go up. I was needed at home, and they needed to come home and know there was chicken in the oven." Since her departure from the show in 2009, Fern has been a constant figure on television, participating in some of the nation's favourite reality TV programmes, including a stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012 where she was the fifth star to be voted off. Last year, Fern took part in ITV's Celebrity Big Brother, where she reached the final, ultimately losing out to David Potts who took home the crown. However, fans can look forward to her return to television in the near future with her very own series, Fern Britton: Inside the Vet's. The six-part series will follow Fern alongside TV vet James Greenwood as they delve into the daily workings of veterinary life, covering everything from vaccinations and sprays to dentistry and surgeries. The much-anticipated Fern Britton: Inside the Vet's is expected to premiere next month.
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Bake Off's Prue Leith says 'I have been lucky' as she shares secret to her long life
Bake Off's Prue Leith says 'I have been lucky' as she shares secret to her long life Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith has become a national treasure thanks to her no-nonsense judging approach on the hit Channel 4 show - and she's now shared her key to living a long life Dame Prue has pinpointed one thing as being behind her longevity (Image: Nordin Catic, Getty Images for The Cambridge Union ) Great British Bake Off star Dame Prue Leith, has shared her secret to a long life, attributing it to one key factor. With her career highlight coming when she landed a role on the Great British Bake Off, Dame Prue has become a familiar face in homes across the nation, thanks to her extensive television work and an array of cookbooks imparting her culinary expertise. She stepped into Dame Mary Berry's shoes on The Great British Bake Off in 2017, coinciding with the show's move from BBC to Channel 4, and has since been a staple on the series, judging alongside Paul Hollywood. Dame Prue is possibly best known for her role on the Great British Bake Off (Image: Ki Price, Getty Images ) Despite her commitment to the main series, she took a step back from the celebrity edition earlier this year, explaining: "It's mainly because these things are filmed back to back," which leaves her with "no time off." When not gracing our screens, Dame Prue recently revealed her longevity secret on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, crediting her enduring health to genetics and happiness: "I think I'm really lucky because I think I must have good genes, obviously, and I'm very happy." Article continues below Dame Prue shared her longevity secret during a recent chat with Mark Wogan (Image: Simon Ackerman, Getty Images ) The octogenarian acknowledged that while "luck" may have played a role in her long life, she believes that a joyful disposition is crucial for staying young at heart: "You know, I think a lot of people age because they're not enjoying their lives. And I think happiness makes a huge difference." She also expressed gratitude for her family's well-being, adding: "And I have every reason to be happy because all my children are healthy - my two children are healthy, my two grandchildren are healthy and happy and doing well. Prue recently stepped back from judging on the celebrity version of GBBO (Image: Dave Benett,for Killik & Co ) "And you know, I've had a great, lovely career in lots of different areas. You know, I've done a lot, and it's all been quite successful. It hasn't all been successful, of course - there have been failures along the way. But the fact is that I've had a good career in catering." Beyond her television triumphs, Dame Prue Leith has carved out an impressive career, which blossomed following her studies at the famed Cordon Bleu School. Subsequently, she returned to England to open her first restaurant. Article continues below Her husband John Playfair is often seen alongside her on Prue Leith's Cotswold Kitchen (Image: Lia Toby, WireImagevia Getty Images ) Dame Prue shares her life with her husband John Playfair, a former fashion designer, who joins his wife on the television programme Prue Leith's Cotswold Kitchen. The show, which first aired last year, features Dame Prue as she demonstrates her cookery skills, whilst also providing recipes and cooking advice to her celebrity guests.
Wales Online
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Mary Berry told Prue Leith 'he doesn't need you' in honest response to Bake Off question
Mary Berry told Prue Leith 'he doesn't need you' in honest response to Bake Off question Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith has opened up about the advice she was given by her predecessor, Dame Mary Berry, after taking over from her on the show Dame Prue Leith has revealed how she spoke to Dame Mary Berry shortly after taking a role on the Great British Bake Off (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Dame Prue Leith has shared an insightful tidbit about Dame Mary Berry's advice when she was set to take over from the baking legend on the Great British Bake Off. Already a celebrated figure in the culinary scene and having made various TV appearances, Dame Mary became a familiar face on the BBC in 2010 with her co-host Paul Hollywood on The Great British Bake Off, providing critiques on the contestants' baking creations. After a remarkable six-year stint on the show, Dame Mary chose to depart out of allegiance to the BBC when GBBO's move to Channel 4 was announced. Dame Mary stepped down from her position on the Channel 4 in 2016 (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) The announcement soon followed that Dame Mary's successor would be none other than Dame Prue, with Paul continuing his role as judge. Reflecting on this significant moment in her career during an interview on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, Dame Prue reminisced about reaching out to Dame Mary for guidance ahead of stepping into her new role. Article continues below Reflecting on her past interactions with the renowned baker, Dame Prue recalled: "I have known Mary for many, many years, we're not close friends but we do like each other. Dame Prue revealed how she was eager to get a character reference of Paul Hollywood after taking a role on the show (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) "When I got the job that she had given up on Bake Off, I rang her up to ask her whether Paul Hollywood was workable with, and I thought, she had worked with him for eight years by then, so I knew she would tell me the truth." She recounted Dame Mary's sage advice about working with Paul: "She was very interesting, she said 'do you know what? He is so good and he is very good at his job and he knows baking backwards, he's a lovely guy and very friendly and easy to work with'." Dame Prue also divulged what the cherished baker warned her about: "But, he knows so much and he's so knowledgeable, he doesn't need you at all. You have to just hold your own and push yourself in because he'll just do the show without you'." Dame Prue recently stepped back from her role on the celebrity edition of the show (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Article continues below Even though Dame Prue has been a part of the show since taking over from Dame Mary in 2017, avid GBBO followers might have noticed her absence in the celebrity special, where newsreader Kate Garraway triumphed as the champion. Discussing why she opted out of the latest series, she cited the demanding schedule as a key reason: "These things are filmed back-to-back all the way through summer from April to August so you don't get any time off." Continuing, she shared: "I'm getting quite old and there's places I want to see. So I'm not doing this year's."
