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John Torode had been a co-host of MasterChef for many years. He was removed from the show after an independent investigation upheld an allegation that he used a racist term in the workplace.
The investigation was part of a larger review that also looked into his co-host, Gregg Wallace. While Wallace faced separate allegations, Torode’s case was handled individually.
Both the BBC and the production company Banijay UK confirmed that they would not renew Torode's contract. According to them, there is zero tolerance for language that is racist, whether it occurred years back or was not intended to insult.
What was the allegation against John Torode?
According to an article published by the BBC on July 15, 2025, an allegation arose during an independent review into workplace conduct. It claimed that John Torode used an “extremely offensive racist term” during a workplace incident. The incident was reported to have occurred in either 2018 or 2019.
The person who made the complaint stated that the comment was not intended to be aggressive or harmful. However, they still reported it as highly inappropriate. John Torode claimed that he did not remember saying anything like that. He also said he apologized if it ever happened.
The incident came to light as part of a broader review. Most of that review focused on Gregg Wallace, who was also removed from the show for different reasons. But the complaint about Torode was treated seriously on its own.
How did the investigation happen?
According to a report published by the BBC on July 15, 2025, Banijay UK hired Lewis Silkin, a law firm, to lead the investigation. This was after several reports were made about behavior on the MasterChef set. The investigation primarily focused on Gregg Wallace, but it also examined two other complaints involving other individuals.
Torode’s case was one of those two. The investigators found the allegation to be credible. The exact year or date of the incident could not be confirmed. Still, the findings were enough for the production company to take action.
In total, 45 of 83 complaints about Wallace were upheld. Torode’s complaint was considered separately and Banijay UK and the BBC both agreed not to bring him back to the show.
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What was John Torode’s response?
In his statement on Tuesday, John Torode addressed reports of his dismissal from MasterChef, stating that he had not been contacted directly by the BBC or Banijay regarding the decision.
"Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef," Torode said.
He also reiterated his denial of the allegation and highlighted the lack of specific details from the investigation.
"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."
Torode confirmed that his recently filmed episodes of Celebrity MasterChef, including two Christmas specials, would be his final appearances on the show.
“Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else.”
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John Torode was fired from MasterChef following an independent enquiry upholding a racism charge of language use. The BBC and Banijay UK did not renew his contract, despite his denial of the claim and assertion that he could not remember the event. This was among a series of broader workplace forces that also led to the sacking of co-host Gregg Wallace. Both companies claimed that this was done to sustain a decent and safe working environment.
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