John Torode is set to return to television this Christmas, just months after being dropped from MasterChef following allegations of using racist language. The chef will appear alongside his wife, Lisa Faulkner, in a festive edition of John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen on ITV.
Torode's departure from MasterChef was confirmed in July after an independent investigation by law firm Lewis Silkin substantiated a complaint of highly offensive racist language used in 2018. Torode denied the allegation, stating he did not recall the incident. The BBC and production company Banijay UK agreed not to renew his contract.
Despite the sacking, Torode has continued to appear on Celebrity MasterChef, which was filmed before his exit. He now co-hosts the show with Grace Dent, who replaced Gregg Wallace after Wallace faced separate allegations of misconduct.
ITV announced on November 28 that Torode and Faulkner will deliver 'a feast of festive inspiration' in their Christmas special. Kevin Lygo, ITV's Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, defended the decision to air the show, saying he felt it was 'a bit much to jump on the bandwagon and just deny these shows to go out'.
Torode's Christmas comeback is part of a wider festive lineup on ITV, which also includes James Martin's Christmas Day, Loose Women on Christmas Day for the first time, and other specials.
