Former MasterChef judge John Torode was seen enjoying a stroll in London with his dog Rory and restaurateur Peter Horton this week, days after his wife Lisa Faulkner addressed his departure from the BBC show.
Torode, 60, opted for a casual outfit of a blue t-shirt, grey hoodie, blue joggers, and trainers for the walk. He appeared to be yawning in some photographs. The sighting comes after it was announced that his contract on MasterChef would not be renewed following an investigation into his conduct.
Production company Banijay said an independent investigation by law firm Lewis Silkin had upheld an allegation of using racist language against Torode, who has denied the claim, stating he has no recollection of the alleged incident. The BBC issued a statement saying it takes the finding seriously and will not tolerate racist language.
Faulkner, 53, broke her silence in an Instagram video, thanking fans for their support. She later posted a photo with Rory, describing the dog as 'our little shadow' who had kept her smiling through the ordeal.
Torode, who co-hosted MasterChef since its relaunch in 2005, said in a statement that he had not heard from the BBC or Banijay directly and had hoped to have some say in his exit. He confirmed that Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials filmed with Grace Dent would be his final appearances.
