Celebrity chef John Torode is making a significant return to television screens this Christmas with a new special on ITV, just months after his high-profile exit from BBC One's MasterChef.
A Festive Comeback
ITV has confirmed that the 60-year-old presenter will star in a Christmas edition of his cooking show with wife Lisa Faulkner, titled 'John and Lisa's Christmas Kitchen.' This marks Torode's first new television project since being fired from MasterChef in July following historic allegations of using racist language, which he has consistently denied.
The special forms part of ITV's extensive daytime Christmas programming lineup and will see the couple serving up what the network describes as "a feast of festive inspiration" for viewers. This Christmas special represents a significant milestone as it's Torode's first newly recorded television appearance since the MasterChef controversy emerged.
Navigating Controversy
Torode's departure from MasterChef came after an investigation into the behaviour of his co-host Gregg Wallace, who was also axed from the show. Following the publication of the report, Torode confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language but stated he had no memory of the incident occurring and denied the allegations.
Despite the controversy, ITV stood by their programming commitment. In August, the network confirmed it would continue airing 'John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen,' with ITV's Management Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo, explaining at the Edinburgh TV Festival that he "felt it was a bit much for us to jump on the bandwagon and just deny these shows to go out."
Lygo further noted that producers had been consulted and reported no knowledge of any such incidents involving Torode during their productions.
What's Next for ITV's Christmas Schedule
The Christmas special isn't the only festive programming ITV has planned. The network's daytime Christmas schedule will feature several other highlights, including Loose Women joining Good Morning Britain, Lorraine and This Morning for the first time ever in a special festive edition.
Viewers can also look forward to special episodes of James Martin's Christmas Day, Sara Davies' Christmas Craft Off, Love Your Christmas with Alan Titchmarsh and James Martin's Saturday Morning at Christmas.
Additional programming includes Mel Giedroyc narrating A Warwick Christmas Castle, which explores Warwick Castle's transformation into a winter wonderland, and Kelvin Fletcher returning with his family for Fletchers' Family Farm Christmas special and their own crafting show, Fletcher's Country Workshop.
Meanwhile, Torode continues to appear in the current series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside Grace Dent, who replaced Gregg Wallace. This represents the final series of MasterChef that was filmed with Torode as presenter before his departure from the programme.
