John Torode sacked as MasterChef host

John Torode has been sacked as presenter of MasterChef after an allegation he used racist language was upheld.

The chef confirmed the allegation on Monday following an investigation into the conduct of his MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace.

 

Torode said he had “no recollection of the incident” and did not believe it had happened.

 

But the BBC confirmed his contract with MasterChef would not be renewed. Torode has presented the show since 2005.

 

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."

 

Torode, who previously ran London restaurants Smiths of Smithfield and Luxe, said he was “shocked and saddened” by the allegation and “would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”

 

In a further statement on Instagram last night, Torode said: “Although I haven’t 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 hope 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.”

 

Torode said he had filmed the next series of Celebrity MasterChef with food critic Grace Dent along with two Christmas specials, but is not clear if these will be broadcast.

 

He added: “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.”

 

The move leaves MasterChef without any main presenter after Wallace was also sacked from the role. A report published this week found 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Wallace were substantiated, the majority of which related to inappropriate sexual language and humour.

 

A small number related to being in a state of undress while one allegation of unwanted physical contact from Wallace was also substantiated.

 

The investigation was commissioned by Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, and led by law firm Lewis Silkin.

 

Wallace said he “never set out to harm or humiliate” and was “deeply sorry for any distress” his behaviour caused.

 

The BBC apologised to “everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour” and said it had no plans to work with him in future.

 

Dent is rumoured to be in line to take over the main MasterChef presenting duties.