MasterChef UK is facing its biggest crisis to date, with both long-time hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace exiting the program following separate but serious allegations.
Australian-born Torode’s contract will not be renewed after a complaint about the use of racist language was upheld, while Wallace was let go last week amid dozens of allegations related to inappropriate conduct, including sexual harassment.
The pair have fronted the BBC’s cooking juggernaut since 2005.
The developments have cast uncertainty over the show’s future, with unaired episodes in limbo and fresh questions raised about the culture behind the scenes.
Allegation against Torode
Torode’s departure follows a review led by legal firm Lewis Silkin, which investigated claims of misconduct on the MasterChef UK set.
Now, and stay with us here, that review was initiated after multiple complaints were made about Wallace’s behaviour. However, it also upheld a separate 2018 complaint against Torode involving “highly offensive racist language.”
In a statement, Banijay UK said: “The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode, which occurred in 2018.
“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.”
A BBC spokesperson echoed that stance: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation, which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace, was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin.
“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef UK will not be renewed.”
UK media reports that Torode was the subject of multiple allegations, although only one was substantiated. He recently completed filming of a new season of Celebrity MasterChef alongside new judge Grace Dent, but the future of that season remains unclear.
John Torode alongside new Celebrity MasterChef judge Grace Dent
Torode denies the claim
In a statement released on Monday, Torode said: “I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I am shocked and saddened by the allegation, as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”
John Torode’s post on Instagram
Later, Torode posted to social media: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef UK and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of. The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong.
“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 days seem to have prevented that. Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future.
“Celebrity MasterChef UK, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent, along with two fantastic Christmas specials, will be my last. Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have.
“I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere.”
Wallace let go amid serious claims
The investigation that led to Torode’s departure was originally sparked by allegations against co-presenter Gregg Wallace. Wallace was sacked last week after BBC News revealed a string of claims related to inappropriate sexual behaviour.
More than 50 individuals reportedly approached the BBC with complaints. Allegations include groping, indecent exposure, and inappropriate comments directed at junior staff. Wallace denies all claims.
In a statement on Instagram, Wallace said: “I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.” He also claimed that he had been cleared of the “most serious and sensational allegations” by the same Lewis Silkin review.
Greg Wallace
A changing culture at the BBC
Speaking at a BBC board meeting, Director-General Tim Davie said: “I absolutely think [MasterChef UK] does [have a future]. I think a great program that is well-loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we’ve got to make sure we’re in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.”
When asked about whether the unreleased seasons featuring Wallace and Torode will air, Davie said: “This is a difficult decision, and we need to weigh it up carefully. We’re thinking through things.”
A former member of the production team told The Telegraph: “The people in power are the problem. They have enabled this behaviour and that needs to change. I hope the show undergoes a cultural change now. This has been a long time coming.”
BBC Director-General Tim Davie
What comes next?
With both co-hosts now out and unaired series in question, MasterChef UK faces a significant reset.
Banijay and the BBC will need to manage not only the reputational fallout but also the future direction of one of the broadcaster’s flagship formats. While audiences may be loyal, changes behind the scenes, and in front of the camera. will determine whether the series can survive this latest reckoning.