John Torode and Gregg Wallace were both axed from the BBC's long-running cookery competition MasterChef within a fortnight in June 2025. The circumstances of their dismissals have been well documented. Wallace, 61, was dismissed on June 8, 2025, following a nine-month investigation into allegations of misconduct by Banijay UK, the show's production company. Meanwhile, the BBC confirmed Torode was sacked after an allegation that he used an "extremely offensive racist term" was upheld in a report.
Torode's Graceful Response
Torode, 60, handled his firing with considerable class. Although he insisted he had no recollection of the incident, he appeared to accept the decision gracefully. He became a sympathetic figure, with celebrities like Christine Hamilton and Richard Madeley publicly defending him. In his newsletter, A View From the Fridge, he revealed he had been undergoing professional therapy since late 2025. His candour and acceptance have stood him in good stead.
ITV has stood by Torode, and he continues to work on shows like John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen, a lifestyle cooking show he co-hosts with his wife, Lisa Faulkner. At his first public appearance after his firing, at the Festival of Food and Drink at Thoresby Hall in Nottinghamshire, he told fans: "Life goes on! I've had a lot of support, and I'm very grateful." He has maintained his profile and remains a popular star.
Wallace's Controversial Post-Firing Behavior
In contrast, Wallace has ranted and raved about the BBC's decision. He took a case against the corporation seeking up to £10,000 in damages for "distress and harassment", alleging that the BBC unlawfully failed to provide him with all of his personal data under UK data protection laws. Shortly before a scheduled High Court hearing in February 2026, he formally discontinued the claim and did not receive any payout, damages, or costs.
In a social media video, Wallace caused further upset by dismissing the historic sexual misconduct allegations, claiming they came from just a "handful of middle-class women of a certain age." These remarks were considered so vile that Downing Street called his comments "misogynistic", prompting him to publicly apologise.
Wallace's New Ventures and Financial Struggles
Wallace seemed to revel in the notoriety, shifting his career to focus on fan engagement. He offered personalised Cameo videos for £40 and emerged as a highly requested star on the platform, particularly during peak holidays like Valentine's Day. He also attempted to become a fitness guru, encouraging followers to join one-on-one coaching sessions to "feel fitter and stronger" at a £200-a-month price tag.
In May 2026, Wallace confessed to financial worries in a social media post. He told his followers: "I used to earn a load of money, right? And then overnight, it stopped. So let me tell you what I've learned from this experience. Security is hugely important, but you don't need millions in order to feel secure." He said that the moment they "broke even" brought him a sense of calm.
Divergent Futures
Despite this eventual candour, Wallace remains a polarising figure and is unlikely to return to mainstream TV. His actions were deemed too reprehensible, and his post-axing behaviour has felt grubby. Meanwhile, Torode has remained polite and hardworking, keeping his head down. It is no surprise that he still has a showbiz career.
