John Torode will not return to MasterChef after producers confirmed his contract would not be renewed, following an allegation of using racist language. The Australian-born chef, 59, had earlier confirmed he was the subject of a complaint that was upheld as part of an inquiry into the behaviour of his former co-presenter Gregg Wallace.
A spokesperson for production company Banijay UK said on Tuesday that an independent investigation by law firm Lewis Silkin had substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against Torode, which occurred in 2018. The statement added: “This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.”
The BBC said the allegation involved an “extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace”. A spokesperson said: “John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. … We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and … John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”
In a statement on Instagram, Torode said he had no recollection of the incident and that the inquiry could not state the date or year. He added: “I’d hoped that I’d have some say in my exit from a show I’ve worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few seem to have prevented that. … It’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else.”
The development follows the sacking of Gregg Wallace last week after a separate report found 45 of 83 allegations against him were substantiated. Torode’s departure leaves BBC director general Tim Davie facing a decision over whether to air the current unaired series, in which both presenters appear. Davie said he had not yet decided but was mindful of the contestants, adding: “A great programme that’s well loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals.”
