ITV has paused its long-running cookery series Weekend Kitchen for 2026, following budget cuts and John Torode's dismissal from BBC's MasterChef last year over the use of racist language. The show, which has run for ten series since 2019, will not air this year, though ITV bosses have not ruled out a revival.
The decision comes days after Torode's wife, Lisa Faulkner, announced she had received treatment for early-stage breast cancer. The couple remain hopeful that Weekend Kitchen could return, as Torode continues to appear regularly on ITV's This Morning, where he has been supported by hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.
An insider said: "John remains a regular contributor to This Morning. The truth is there are no current plans for series 11 of Weekend Kitchen, but no final decision has yet been made over whether it will return. John is very much a part of the ITV family."
ITV is making cuts across daytime programming, including soaps, Lorraine, Good Morning Britain and Loose Women. Despite Torode's sacking from MasterChef, ITV managing director Kevin Lygo stated there was no desire to pull Weekend Kitchen, saying: "It felt it was a bit much for us to jump on the bandwagon and just deny these shows to go out."
Torode was axed from MasterChef after an investigation substantiated an allegation of using an extremely offensive racist term in 2018. He has said he has "no recollection" of the incident. The BBC said it takes the finding seriously and confirmed his contract would not be renewed.
In the meantime, Ainsley Harriott is making a third series of Fantastic Flavours for ITV's Sunday morning slot. John and Lisa, who married in 2019, have launched a YouTube channel to continue their cook-alongs with fans.
