Culture Craze

“No Recollection”: John Torode Dropped from MasterChef Over Upheld Racism Allegation

Published

2 months ago

July 17, 2025

Chiraag

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The BBC’s beloved cooking competition is facing its biggest identity crisis yet, and this time, both its iconic hosts are out.

MasterChef has long been a fixture on British television, dishing up triumph, tears, and talent since the early 2000s. But in the space of just two weeks, both of its longtime co-presenters, John Torode and Gregg Wallace, have been ousted from the show amid serious misconduct allegations. And audiences are left wondering: What happens now to one of the UK’s most-watched food shows?

A simmering scandal boils over

On Tuesday, John Torode confirmed that he had been sacked from MasterChef following an upheld allegation that he used an “extremely offensive racist term.” The decision comes hot on the heels of fellow co-host Gregg Wallace’s dismissal, which followed more than 40 upheld claims of inappropriate sexual language on set.

While the initial spotlight was on Wallace, who stepped down in November 2024 following BBC News’ exposé, Torode’s name surfaced in the same independent inquiry, commissioned by production house Banijay and carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin. The BBC said it “takes the finding extremely seriously” and made it clear that Torode’s contract would not be renewed.

Torode: “I don’t remember it happening”

The 58-year-old chef, originally from Australia, has denied the allegation, claiming he has no recollection of using racist language. According to his Instagram statement, the complaint dates back to a “social setting” around 2018 or 2019, and while the alleged comment was reportedly not made with malicious intent, it was still deemed unacceptable. Torode added that he “apologised immediately” at the time but maintains that he doesn’t believe the incident occurred.

“I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation,” he said. “Any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment… but I have no memory of it.”

What’s next for MasterChef?

As of now, the BBC has not decided whether to air the next season of MasterChef, which has already been filmed with both Torode and Wallace. Speaking to BBC News, Director General Tim Davie acknowledged the tension: “Those amateur chefs gave a lot to take part. It means a lot… We need to reflect on that with the team.”

Despite the upheaval, Davie insisted that MasterChef will survive. “It’s much bigger than individuals,” he told reporters. Still, many fans are sceptical about whether the format will retain its magic without its longtime presenting duo.

Public reaction: “This is heartbreaking but necessary”

The backlash has been swift and divided. On social media, reactions have ranged from disappointment to relief. Some viewers expressed sadness that the show is losing its familiar faces, especially Torode, who was often seen as the more grounded of the pair. Others said they were glad to see accountability finally being enforced in high-profile media spaces.

“Sad to see John go, but racism has no place in the kitchen or anywhere,” wrote one X (formerly Twitter) user. Another commented, “Feels like the end of an era… but maybe it’s time for new voices.”

A deeper culture reckoning at the BBC?

This controversy adds to a string of recent storms for the BBC, including backlash over the Glastonbury performance by punk duo Bob Vylan. Davie admitted it’s been “a very tough time” and that the broadcaster is under immense pressure to address internal culture issues head-on.

In a media climate increasingly defined by transparency and accountability, the BBC’s decision to cut ties with both Torode and Wallace, even after nearly two decades, sends a clear signal: No one is above the line.

John Torode’s last appearances on Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials, already filmed, may now serve as his farewell. “It’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else,” he wrote, closing a chapter that defined UK food television for almost 20 years.

But with both chairs now empty and the oven timer still ticking, the BBC faces a new recipe: rebuilding a show that’s lost its flavour, and perhaps finding something fresher in the process.