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John Torode, once the face of MasterChef, has spoken publicly for the first time since his sudden dismissal from the BBC cooking juggernaut and his message was one of quiet defiance.
In a reflective Instagram Story shared Sunday, the 60-year-old chef wrote, “The best decision I ever made? To be quiet and move on. I have nothing to prove. I’m not here to convince anyone to love me or that I’m a great person. I’m not fixing what I didn’t break.”
Torode’s comments come amid a turbulent week at the BBC, following the resignation of director-general Tim Davie after 20 years with the corporation.
Davie’s departure follows mounting criticism over impartiality controversies, including the editing of footage from Donald Trump’s January 6, 2021 speech in a Panorama documentary.
Torode was reportedly dismissed in July 2025 over allegations that he used “extremely offensive racist language” in 2018 — claims he insists he has “no recollection” of.
Lisa Faulkner stands by John Torode.
Sources close to the chef described the decision as “brutal,” with Torode allegedly discovering his dismissal through a BBC News article rather than an official call.
His wife, actress and fellow cook Lisa Faulkner said: “MasterChef will not be the same without John. But he’s doing OK.”
The sacking followed a chain reaction of crises at the broadcaster, including the prosecution of veteran presenter Huw Edwards and the controversial axing of Torode’s long-time co-host, Gregg Wallace.
Wallace, who had fronted MasterChef for nearly two decades, was dropped earlier this year after an investigation upheld 45 allegations of misconduct.
He has since launched legal action against the BBC, claiming distress and harassment.
Torode’s exit leaves a noticeable gap in one of the BBC’s most beloved franchises.
The network has since tapped Grace Dent and Irish chef Anna Haugh as the show’s new hosts. Dent, known for her sharp restaurant critiques, admitted she was “nervous but honored” to take on what she described as her “biggest and most important challenge yet.”
Despite the chaos behind the scenes, the BBC has not confirmed any plans to continue with its Celebrity MasterChef Christmas specials.
Two completed festive episodes from 2024 were reportedly pulled from the schedule following the misconduct investigations involving Gregg Wallace, and the corporation has said it will decide on future specials “later in the year.”
For Torode, whose culinary reputation was built over decades, his recent comments mark a rare public acknowledgment of his fall from the spotlight.
Torode on the Road" is not a currently airing series. It was a travel and food segment that was part of his appearances on ITV's This Morning, with the last known episode filmed in Somerset in late 2023.
In August, he had briefly posted, “Life goes on. I’ve had a lot of support, and I’m very grateful.”
His latest post, however, carried a more philosophical tone — an acceptance of what he cannot control. “Whatever you do is on you,” his statement read. “That’s your journey, not mine. As for me? I’m moving forward.”
Whether the BBC’s decision was fair or premature remains a matter of debate, particularly as questions linger about the broadcaster’s internal culture and crisis management under Tim Davie’s leadership.
Is this kind of case common under employment law?
Employment law allows dismissal for gross misconduct even if alleged incidents occurred years earlier — provided evidence supports the claim and the process is deemed fair. However, retrospective allegations often lead to complex disputes about memory, proof, and proportionality.
Can someone sue for unfair dismissal from a broadcaster like the BBC?
Yes. Under the UK’s Employment Rights Act 1996, individuals may bring claims for unfair dismissal or reputational harm. However, public figures often face higher contractual scrutiny under “morality clauses” designed to protect a broadcaster’s reputation.
What role does due process play in such cases?
Due process is crucial. Legal experts note that if an individual learns of their dismissal through media reports — as Torode claims — it could expose the employer to procedural criticism, even if the underlying decision was justified.
Does the BBC have a legal duty to protect its reputation?
Yes. The BBC’s Royal Charter mandates impartiality and integrity in all its productions. When controversies threaten public trust, the corporation may act swiftly to mitigate reputational damage — though this must be balanced against employee rights.
John Torode's quiet determination to move forward marks a definitive end to his BBC chapter. His measured response contrasts sharply with the ongoing turmoil at the broadcaster, particularly following the exit of Director-General Tim Davie.
The fallout from Torode's dismissal, alongside the controversies surrounding Gregg Wallace and impartiality issues, highlights the deep cultural and ethical questions facing the BBC.
As the corporation seeks to rebuild its reputation and define the future of its major franchises like MasterChef, Torode's philosophical silence offers a powerful counterpoint to the public scandal.
The key takeaway remains: the controversies surrounding MasterChef are more than just a celebrity issue; they raise serious questions about BBC accountability, morality clauses, and employment fairness in the media industry.
