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By Anita Singh
July 16, 2025 — 10.19am
John Torode has been sacked from MasterChef after a complaint that he used racist language was upheld.
The incident formed part of the legal review into behaviour on MasterChef, which was caused by the allegations about co-presenter Gregg Wallace.
John Torode on a visit to Sydney.
In a statement, Banijay UK, which makes the BBC show, said: “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.”
A BBC spokesman 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.”
MasterChef hosts John Torode (left) and Gregg Wallace.
On Monday, Torode had said: “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 am shocked and saddened by the allegation, as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
The Telegraph understands that Torode was the subject of multiple allegations, although only one was substantiated.
Torode and Grace Dent, who was hired as Wallace’s replacement, recently filmed a series of Celebrity MasterChef which was due to go out this autumn.
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That means the BBC now has two MasterChef series which may never see the light of day – the celebrity version and last year’s amateur competition hosted by Torode and Wallace.
It comes hours after Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, said that MasterChef was bigger than its presenters. Asked whether the show had a future, he replied: “I absolutely think it does. I think a great program that is well-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.”
Mr Davie was also asked about the last series of the show, which was filmed but has not been released and features Wallace in all but the final episode. He said: “This is a difficult decision, and we need to weigh it up carefully. We’re thinking through things.”
A former member of the production team told the Telegraph that the show needs to “reform”.
“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”.
In a post on social media last night, Torode said: “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. Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future.
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“Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent, along with two fantastic Christmas specials, will be my last. 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.”
He added: “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. Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere.
“Thank you for the many years of MasterChef.
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