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Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lisa Faulkner makes rare comments about husband John Torode and says she doesn't read news about them - amid MasterChef star's sacking over 'using racist term'
Lisa Faulkner has made rare comments about her marriage to husband John Torode amid the MasterChef star's recent sacking over claims he used a racist term. The actress opened up on their 10-year relationship in a new interview, conducted prior to the BBC show's producers Banijay UK announcing John's contract would not be renewed after the allegation - which he denied. Speaking to The Mirror, Lisa, 53, gave a rare insight into their marriage as she said she doesn't read the news about them and doesn't understand the interest in their romance. She remarked: 'I honestly have no idea about why there's such interest. I don't read anything about us, I certainly don't have Google alerts set up or anything.' The couple have been in a relationship since 2015 after having got better acquainted during Lisa's stint on Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, which she went on to win. They tied the knot in October 2019 in a romantic ceremony in Aynhoe Park, Oxfordshire. Speaking further on the public interest in the couple, Lisa continued: 'The closest I've come to it is probably at food shows or when people stop us in the street and say, ''Oh we love you two'', or that they love the shows. Maybe it's because we genuinely have a lovely relationship?' Giving a further insight on the key to the strength of their relationship, the TV star shared the secret to their successful marriage. 'We have a bit of banter but it's never sniping at each other. We're just kind to each other, we get on and we look out for each other,' she added. Lisa also revealed what it is like working with her husband on their joint ITV show John And Lisa's Weekend Kitchen. Describing the balance, Lisa said they ensure they're 'not in each other's pockets', making sure they have a 'nice catch up' amid their downtime. Her remarks came before it was confirmed that ITV would continue to broadcast the tenth series of their ITV cookery show following John's BBC axing from MasterChef. MailOnline have contacted Lisa's representatives for further comment. John has made headlines in recent days after reports claimed the BBC sacked John after he allegedly 'used the N-word twice while singing along to a Kanye West song'. The MasterChef host 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 claimed John used the word again whilst chatting to a friend on the MasterChef 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 John and said he only used the racial slur as an 'example' and 'apologised afterwards'. MailOnline contacted BBC and John's representatives at the time 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 John'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 John, who has claimed he did 'not believe that it happened'. But it was later described as the 'worst racial slur there is' by Pointles host Richard Osman. He 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 two people 'close to the report' alleged that John had used the N-word. There has also been feverish speculation online for days that this was the slur he allegedly used. John has left MasterChef after the 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 John is gone, saying he was 'horrible' to work with at times. A third source claimed they had found him to be a 'very rude and patronising man'. John 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 John to leave MasterChef citing mental health problems. The BBC declined to comment on the claims. Meanwhile, ITV are standing by under fire John, despite his BBC axing from MasterChef following an allegation of racism. Sources at ITV have told the MailOnline that it will continue to broadcast the tenth series of John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen as scheduled on Saturday. The much-loved cookery show, which launched in 2019, features John and his wife Lisa as they showcase their favourite recipes. An ITV source said: 'There is no change to the ITV schedule and John and Lisa's Weekends will be broadcast as usual and will continue to air for the next three weeks.' It means the third episode of the 10th series of the show will be broadcast on ITV1 at 11.40am on Saturday. There are also plans for the broadcaster to welcome John back later in the year with John & Lisa's Christmas Kitchen in December.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How John Torode's career crumbled in 24 hours: Sacked MasterChef star was 'blindsided' by BBC axe when claims he used 'extremely offensive racist term' were upheld in probe - but insiders suggest there were MORE allegations against him
John Torode 's two-decade-long MasterChef career was over in just 24 hours after he was reportedly blindsided by the BBC and sacked without his knowledge. The celebrity chef, 59, was yesterday dismissed from the cookery show after a report into the behaviour of his co-host Gregg Wallace found he had once used a 'racist term'. It was a sudden fall from grace for the loveable Aussie host who had presented MasterChef since 2005 and was also awarded an MBE for services to food and broadcasting three years ago. Moreover, over the weekend food critic Grace Dent was pipped to become Torode's new permanent co-star following Wallace's suspension and dismissal. The pair had already filmed a series of Celebrity MasterChef together and were reportedly due to start shooting the amateur version of the show in the summer. On Tuesday, the BBC confirmed it had sacked Torode less than a day after he posted on Instagram that he was the subject of an allegation he used racist language. He has denied having any recollection of using the term - and said no one can 'even state the date or year' of when the supposed wrongdoing took place. It is understood, however, Torode, was the subject of multiple allegations but only one was substantiated. Wallace, 60, was suspended from MasterChef in November and sacked last week following a series of allegations against him, including one of unwanted touching. Torode, on the other hand, has continued to host the show and recently filmed a new series of the celebrity version with Dent which was due to go out this autumn. However, it is now thought that series and last year's amateur version hosted by Torode and Wallace may never see the light of day. Claims emerged last night that Torode was not told directly by the BBC that he had been sacked and instead found out after reading it online. A source said according to The Sun: 'John's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. 'He read about it on the BBC News website.' Meanwhile, Torode posted a lengthy statement on Instagram on Tuesday evening in which he said he was 'seeing and reading' he had been dropped from the show. He wrote: '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. 'The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. On Monday night Torode took to Instagram to confirm he had been accused of using racist language '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 last few days seem to have prevented that.' Torode said Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials which he recently filmed 'will be my last'. It is not clear if the BBC will air these shows. He went on: 'Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. 'I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been.' BBC director-general Tim Davie had earlier condemned the 'serious racist term' the Australian-born presenter was alleged to have used. He went on: 'It's really important that we are taking this seriously. It's a reset where we make sure that people are living up to the values we expect across the board.' Asked exactly what Torode said, Davie 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.' It comes as a former member of MasterChef's production team told The Telegraph that the show needed to reform. They said: 'The people in power are the problem. They have enabled this behaviour and that needs to change. 'I hope the show undergoes a cultural change now. This has been a long time coming.' A statement from production company Banijay UK released earlier said: '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.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode previously said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. A BBC spokesperson said: '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.' Davie insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out, while presenting the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report earlier on Tuesday. Davie said: '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.' Downing Street has said it 'utterly condemns' any instance of racist language after the allegation made against Torode was upheld. 'When it comes to racism (it) clearly has no place at the BBC or anywhere in society, and we utterly condemn any instances of racist language or abuse in the strongest possible terms,' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said. 'And it's obviously up to the BBC, who are operationally independent from Government, to take forward any necessary next steps.' The BBC said it has not yet made a final decision on whether to broadcast a series of MasterChef filmed last year with Wallace and Torode. A spokesperson for the corporation said: 'We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.' In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity. He became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV's This Morning, before joining MasterChef alongside Wallace when it was known as MasterChef Goes Large.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
John Torode left ‘heartbroken' after learning of MasterChef sacking online
John Torode was left 'heartbroken' after discovering he had been sacked from MasterChef online. Shortly after news broke of the celebrity chef being dropped from the cookery show, he released a statement revealing he had not 'heard from anyone at the BBC' or the production company behind the series. It's now been reported that Torode's agent was called 11 minutes before his sacking was announced to the public and that his agent 'hadn't a chance to call him'. 'He read about it on the BBC News website,' a source told The Sun. 'Obviously he's heartbroken. He feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.' The Independent has contacted the BBC, Banijay UK and Torode for comment. Torode, 59, was fired for using 'an extremely offensive racist term', which the chef said he has 'no recollection' of making. The allegation against him was upheld after being made during a seven-month investigation into the show, which substantiated 45 claims of misconduct against his co-host Wallace, including one of unwelcome physical contact. Wallace, who joined the revamped version of the show with Torode in 2005, has also been fired. On Monday (14 July), Torode confirmed that he was being investigated over his language, but said he was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation and said he knows any racial language 'is wholly unacceptable in any environment'. After being dropped from the show without consultation, he 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 days seem to have prevented that.' John Torode claims he wasn't informed of 'MasterChef' firing (BBC) 'Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future,' he continued, revealing it was 'time to pass the cutlery to someone else'. Torode said he 'will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards', adding that his 'tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating'. He said his time on the show has been 'a joy' and revealed that he had recently filmed a series of Celebrity MasterChef with Wallace's replacement Grace Dent as well as two Christmas specials. Torode has also filmed a MasterChef series with Wallace, the fate of which is currently unknown. BBC director-general Tim Davie said a decision is yet to be made about its broadcast but explained on Tuesday (15 July) that the 'difficulty' surrounds the chef participants who spent time away from their jobs to be on the show. John Torode's statement on 'MasterChef' sacking (Instagram) In a statement , the BBC said that the allegation against Torode involved 'an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace' and 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, 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.' Meanwhile, more than half of the 83 allegations against Wallace, including inappropriate sexual language and being in a state of undress, were upheld. Gregg Wallace said he is 'deeply sorry' after 45 allegations are upheld (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire) The TV personality said he is 'deeply sorry for any distress' caused and that he 'never set out to harm or humiliate' anyone with his behaviour.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How John Torode got the cut 'in 24 hours': Star went from loveable MasterChef co-host to chopped by the BBC after being 'blindsided' by broadcaster when report found he used 'extremely offensive racist term'
John Torode 's two-decade-long MasterChef career was over in just 24 hours after he was reportedly blindsided by the BBC and sacked without his knowledge. The celebrity chef, 59, was yesterday dismissed from the cookery show after a report into the behaviour of his co-host Gregg Wallace found he had once used a 'racist term'. It was a sudden fall from grace for the loveable Aussie host who had presented MasterChef since 2005 and was also awarded an MBE for services to food and broadcasting three years ago. Moreover, over the weekend food critic Grace Dent was pipped to become Torode's new permanent co-star following Wallace's suspension and dismissal. The pair had already filmed a series of Celebrity MasterChef together were reportedly due to start shooting the amateur version of the show in the summer. Yesterday, the BBC confirmed it had sacked Torode less than a day after he posted on Instagram that he was the subject of an allegation of racist language. He has denied having any recollection of using the term - and said no one can 'even state the date or year' of when the supposed wrongdoing took place. It is understood, however, Torode, was the subject of multiple allegations but only one was substantiated, The Telegraph has reported. Wallace, 60, was sacked by the BBC last week after the report by law firm Lewis Silkin upheld 45 allegations against him, including one of unwanted touching. Torode, on the other hand, has continued to host MasterChef and recently filmed a new series of the celebrity version with Dent which was due to go out this autumn. However, it is now thought that series and last year's amateur version hosted by Torode and Wallace may never see the light of day. Claims emerged last night that Torode was not told directly by the BBC that he had been sacked and instead found out after reading it online. A source said according to The Sun: 'John's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. 'He read about it on the BBC News website.' 'John had no idea. He was blindsided,' the insider added. Meanwhile, Torode posted a lengthy statement on Instagram on Tuesday evening in which he said he was 'seeing and reading' he had been dropped from the show. He wrote: '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. 'The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. Last night, Torode took to Instagram to confirm he had been accused of using racist language '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 last few days seem to have prevented that.' Torode said Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials which he recently filmed 'will be my last'. It is not clear if the BBC will air these shows. He went on: 'Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. 'I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been.' BBC director-general Tim Davie had earlier condemned the 'serious racist term' the Australian-born presenter was alleged to have used. He went on: 'It's really important that we are taking this seriously. It's a reset where we make sure that people are living up to the values we expect across the board.' Asked exactly what Torode said, Davie 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.' It comes as a former member of MasterChef's production team told The Telegraph that the show needed to reform. They said: 'The people in power are the problem. They have enabled this behaviour and that needs to change. 'I hope the show undergoes a cultural change now. This has been a long time coming.' A statement from production company Banijay UK released earlier said: '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.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode previously said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. A BBC spokesperson said: '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.' Davie insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out, while presenting the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report earlier on Tuesday. Davie said: '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.' Downing Street has said it 'utterly condemns' any instance of racist language after the allegation made against Torode was upheld. 'When it comes to racism (it) clearly has no place at the BBC or anywhere in society, and we utterly condemn any instances of racist language or abuse in the strongest possible terms,' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said. 'And it's obviously up to the BBC, who are operationally independent from Government, to take forward any necessary next steps.' The BBC said it has not yet made a final decision on whether to broadcast a series of MasterChef filmed last year with Wallace and Torode. A spokesperson for the corporation said: 'We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.' In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity. He became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV's This Morning, before joining MasterChef alongside Wallace when it was known as MasterChef Goes Large.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
John Torode says he was not informed of MasterChef departure
TV presenter John Torode said he learned from reading media reports about his 'sacking' from MasterChef for using a racist term but added 'it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else'. The celebrity chef, 59, said he had not heard from the BBC or the production company Banijay UK, and repeated that he still had no recollection of the accusation against him, in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Tuesday evening. BBC director-general Tim Davie had earlier condemned the 'serious racist term' the Australian-born presenter was alleged to have used, after it was announced his contract on MasterChef will not be renewed. Torode began presenting the BBC cooking contest alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. On Monday night, Torode confirmed Torode was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into Wallace's behaviour while filming the programme over 19 years. He then posted a lengthy statement on Instagram on Tuesday evening, saying: '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. 'The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. '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 last few days seem to have prevented that.' Torode said Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials which he recently filmed 'will be my last'. It is not clear if the BBC will air these shows. He went on: 'Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. 'I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been.' In an interview with BBC News earlier on Tuesday evening, Davie said he was not directly involved with the matter but was told of the recommendation to not renew Torode's contract and was 'happy that the team were taking action'. He went on: 'It's really important that we are taking this seriously. It's a reset where we make sure that people are living up to the values we expect across the board.' Asked exactly what Torode said, Davie 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.' A statement from production company Banijay UK released earlier said: '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.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode previously said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. A BBC spokesperson said: '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.' Davie insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out, while presenting the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report earlier on Tuesday. Davie said: '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.' Downing Street has said it 'utterly condemns' any instance of racist language after the allegation made against Torode was upheld. 'When it comes to racism (it) clearly has no place at the BBC or anywhere in society, and we utterly condemn any instances of racist language or abuse in the strongest possible terms,' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said. 'And it's obviously up to the BBC, who are operationally independent from Government, to take forward any necessary next steps.' The BBC said it has not yet made a final decision on whether to broadcast a series of MasterChef filmed last year with Wallace and Torode. A spokesperson for the corporation said: 'We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.' In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity. He became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV's This Morning, before joining MasterChef alongside Wallace when it was known as MasterChef Goes Large.
