Former MasterChef presenter John Torode has broken his silence with an exclusive message for his replacement, Grace Dent, following his dramatic exit from the BBC show. Torode, who was axed in July after 21 years, described Dent's support as "unfailing" and launched a fierce attack on his critics, labelling them a "cult."
A Public Show of Support
Writing on his Substack platform, the 60-year-old television star paid a powerful tribute to his former co-host. "Grace Dent: What a strong extraordinary woman," Torode wrote. He praised her for standing up for her beliefs without fear of being ostracised, adding it was a "privilege" to stand by her side. This public endorsement comes as Dent, 52, prepares to front her first regular series of MasterChef alongside chef Anna Haugh.
Torode also reserved heartfelt praise for his wife, Lisa, 53, whom he met on Celebrity MasterChef in 2010 and married in 2019. He called her his "rock" and a "wonder woman," stating nothing else needed to be said about her unwavering support during the controversy.
The Fallout from the BBC Investigation
The presenter's dismissal stemmed from a BBC investigation into allegations of misconduct. The corporation upheld a complaint that Torode had used "an extremely offensive racist term" during production, a claim he continues to deny. The BBC stated the finding was substantiated by an independent law firm and that they would not tolerate such language, leading to the non-renewal of his contract.
Torode's on-screen partner, Gregg Wallace, was also dismissed in July. A separate report upheld over 40 allegations about Wallace's conduct, including one of unwelcome physical contact. Wallace, who was diagnosed with autism last year, has since submitted a High Court claim for up to £10,000 in damages from the BBC, alleging distress and harassment over data access. He may launch a second action relating to his autism diagnosis.
Moving Forward After a 'Brutal' Change
John Torode has previously spoken about how therapy helped him cope with the "unexpected and brutal life change" of his firing. Meanwhile, Grace Dent has consistently stood by him, having previously called Torode "one of the kindest, most concerned, clever, thoughtful men that I know." She recently reinforced that support by sharing a series of pictures of them together after the Celebrity MasterChef final aired.
The future of the iconic cooking show now rests with Dent and Haugh, as the BBC draws a line under the era of Torode and Wallace. The public statements from Torode highlight the deep personal and professional bonds formed during his long tenure, even as the circumstances of his departure remain fiercely contested.
