John Torode has spoken out about his departure from BBC's MasterChef and his former colleague Gregg Wallace, saying he still has his "professional pride".
The chef was axed from the show in the summer of 2025 after an allegation that he used "an extremely offensive racist term" was upheld. John, however, maintained that he had "no recollection" of this.
A Difficult Period
John has faced a challenging time recently. As well as being sacked from MasterChef, his wife Lisa Faulkner revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and had undergone surgery.
Actress Lisa, who appears alongside her husband on ITV's John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen, announced the news in July, telling fans her diagnosis came at a "very early" stage. She also said she was awaiting a course of radiotherapy. And although she had "quite a bit of healing to do", Lisa said she was feeling "so much better".
Reflecting on His Career
John told The Times that the diagnosis "changed absolutely everything", noting that cancer "comes along and knocks you again", making you realise that "none of the other stuff matters."
Speaking with Go To Food, John was questioned about whether he and Gregg ever spent time together socially beyond work. He responded: "That question's always going to be asked, I think. And the thing is that's what happens when you have a relationship like that at work. It's like any other work relationship."
He continued: "And this is it, is that what goes on when you're at work, you're at work. And so, you do work, and I think this is quite normal for most people, your communication is at work and you go out and you go home."
Looking Back at MasterChef
When questioned whether he felt surprised by the conclusion of his two-decade tenure on the programme, he responded: "In life, I think everything's got to come to an end at some stage, you know, and that's all there is to it. But, you know, surprise is one thing."
John explained what endures is the "joy" and "celebration". He further emphasised his responsibility to ensure everyone connected with the programme "realise how special they were".
"And that we don't detract from how much energy and effort they put into that programme and how much work, because they loved it. They became champions. They've changed their lives. Changing their lives because they love food was always really, really important."
The conversation then turned to whether John might "still be there" had Gregg remained on the programme. John responded: "Listen, I don't know how to tell that story. I don't know what's going to happen. Life is life, isn't it? Do you know what I mean? What happens? Who knows? Drop a pebble in a pond."
He reflected that it had been an "amazing summer", highlighting his friendships and how he prepares "good food". "And one thing I've got is my professional pride, and I thank you guys because you know what? Reminding me of my career is a really lovely celebration."
