Actress and television presenter Lisa Faulkner has opened up about the advice she gave her teenage daughter regarding a potential career in showbusiness, while also revealing she and husband John Torode are preparing for disappointing news about their joint ITV programme.
A Mother's Candid Career Warning
In a recent interview with Hello! Magazine, the 53-year-old star, known for roles in EastEnders and Spooks, disclosed that her 19-year-old adopted daughter, Billie, has expressed interest in becoming an actress. Faulkner was quick to offer a dose of reality. "I'm like, 'No keep away from the acting'", she revealed, acknowledging the industry's notoriously unpredictable nature. She described it as "very up and down" but conceded that if Billie is determined, she can pursue it.
Billie, whom Faulkner adopted at 17 months old with her ex-husband Chris Coghill, is currently enjoying her independence, travelling frequently. "She goes travelling a lot. I don't see her for weeks, then she's back. She hasn't left home quite yet, thank goodness," the actress shared.
Torode's Support Amid Professional Turmoil
Faulkner is currently starring in a stage adaptation of the psychological thriller Single White Female and praised her husband, celebrity chef John Torode, for his unwavering support. "He's been running through the lines with me. He's so happy for me," she said, describing Torode as her "husband and best mate" who offers constant kindness and solidarity.
This support comes after a challenging period for Torode. He was dropped from the BBC's MasterChef last year after a complaint accusing him of using "an extremely offensive racist term" was upheld. Torode stated he had "no recollection" of the alleged incident and was "shocked and saddened" by the allegation, firmly asserting that any racial language is "wholly unacceptable".
An Anxious Wait for Weekend Kitchen
Despite the controversy, the couple have continued their popular ITV show, John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen. However, their future on the channel is now uncertain. According to reports, the pair are "facing a nervous wait" over whether the show will be recommissioned.
A source claimed that ITV's commissioning team has yet to make a decision, with budgets being slashed and the show being expensive to produce. "It will be a major blow to John," the insider added, noting he had a "really tough time" after leaving the BBC. The source revealed Torode is "prepared for the worst" but remains hopeful for a redeeming nod from ITV.
In the meantime, the chef is pushing forward with a new, well-received YouTube cooking series. For now, the couple, who Lisa says "really do support each other and hold each other's hands through everything," await their professional fate while navigating the complexities of family and fame.
