The headlines keep on coming for Gregg Wallace, John Torode and the MasterChef franchise, with John declaring “life goes on” at an event with wife Lisa Faulkner over the weekend.
With the presenters’ careers both in tatters, and the MasterChef brand itself facing intense backlash, ED! takes a look back at the scandal…
November 2024: Gregg Wallace steps down from MasterChef
In late November of last year, Gregg Wallace broke his silence on social media after stepping down from MasterChef following misconduct allegations. 13 people had accused him of making inappropriate sexual comments.
He thanked his followers on Instagram at the time: “I would like to thank all the people getting in touch, reaching out and showing their support. That’s good of you, thank you very much.”
Banijay UK, MasterChef’s production company, said an external review would be conducted.
July 8 2025: Gregg Wallace sacked
BBC News reported Gregg Wallace had been sacked as MasterChef presenter following a six-month inquiry into alleged misconduct.
The investigation’s report, conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin, was officially due two days later, on Thursday July 10. It would find 45 of 83 allegations against Gregg Wallace were substantiated.
More than 50 people were reported to have approached the BBC with fresh claims.
July 8: Gregg Wallace responds
In a lengthy Instagram statement, Gregg Wallace claimed he had been cleared of “the most serious and sensational allegations” made against him.
He wrote: “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 continued: “To be clear, the Silkin’s Report [sic] exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2008.”
The TV presenter added: “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established.”
He also complained about a perceived failure to ensure he had a safe working environment with regards to his neurodiversity.
Gregg Wallace went on: “My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef. Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over 20 years. That failure is now being quietly buried.”
July 14: What did the report reveal?
The report’s shocking findings included claims concerning inappropriate jokes and innuendos, sexually explicit remarks, unwanted touching. culturally insensitive or racist comments, and bullying behaviour.
45 of the allegations, span between 2005 to 2024 and relevant to his stint on MasterChef, were found to have been upheld.
July 14: BBC statement on report’s findings
The BBC subsequently announced Gregg Wallace would not work with the Corporation in the future.
A statement read: “We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace. In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future.”
“Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC.”
‘More could’ve been done’
The BBC also accepted “more could and should have been done sooner”.
“We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour.”
The BBC also confirmed Lewis Silkin’s probe included “two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals”.
It was added the findings were taken “very seriously” and “we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway”.
Regarding the future of MasterChef, it was added: “At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.”
July 14: Gregg Wallace apology
Gregg Wallace issued a statement to the PA news agency following the BBC’s statement.
He said: “For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld.
“I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended. I’m relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018.”
Gregg admitted “some of his humour and language missed the mark” but maintained he “never set out to harm or humiliate”.
He added: “I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I’ve only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier.”
July 15: John Torode denies allegations
Reports claimed John Torode had been asked to resign from MasterChef after he was accused of racism.
John Torode acknowledged on social media that he had an allegation of using racist language against him upheld.
However, he responded by insisting neither the BBC nor Banijay had contacted him to inform him he should leave the series. But within hours the BBC revealed his contract would not be renewed.
John, reportedly “blindsided” and said to feel ‘scapegoated’, posted on Instagram: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef 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’ve been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future.”
‘I will watch fondly from afar’
He continued: “Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with the 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 projects 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 ever-changing and ever-moving and sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere.”
He signed off: “Thank you for the many years of MasterChef. John Torode.”
July 16: John Torode axed, BBC confirms
The BBC confirmed in a statement that John Torode had been axed after he was accused of making a racist remark seven years ago.
It read: “John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.”
The statement continued: “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 will not be renewed.”
July 17: MasterChef contestant ‘feels sorry’ for Gregg Wallace
The Mirror reports MasterChef contestant Aasmah Mir “feels sorry” for Gregg Wallace after complaining about his language on the BBC show’s set.
Radio presenter Aasmah was on the show in 2017. She later complained to the show after Gregg Wallace allegedly referred to a BBC colleague as a “sexy [blank]”.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Thursday, Aasmah said: “I feel sorry for him, I do feel sorry for Gregg Wallace because of the neurodivergence, which is quite obvious here.
“But someone – the production company – should have stepped in earlier and said: ‘This is not acceptable.’ We wouldn’t have the mess we have today.”
Gregg Wallace MasterChef scandal – ‘Maybe he was just used to it’
She also reflected on her own experience: “It’s not the worst thing in the world. No one has died. But it was an uncomfortable experience. I remember feeling destabilised and I remember my cheeks were burning because I was thinking, what happened there?”
She added: “No one said anything. Both Gregg Wallace and John Torode looked completely blank, poker face. Like nothing had happened. I don’t know how many of the substantiated allegations he witnessed. So I can only talk about my own. But all I know is Gregg Wallace used an incredibly inappropriate term and John Torode didn’t do anything. There was no emotion.
“That could be because it was 2017. It had been going on since 2005 – the programme. Maybe he’d just become used to it? You would expect some emotion on his face perhaps but maybe he was just used to it and that’s not his fault necessarily. It’s Gregg Wallace’s for putting him in that position.”
ED! has approached a representative for Gregg Wallace for comment.
July 17: MasterChef star John Torode’s business claims
MailOnline also claimed “two of [John Torode’s] businesses went bust owing over £160,000 to creditors”.
The news outlet alleges: “Torode has also faced financial problems as two of his TV production firms went under in the last six years owing huge amounts.”
It reports Marcel Ltd was dissolved in December 2019 after going bust three years earlier with debts of £104,219. It was wound up in a creditor’s voluntary liquidation.
Additionally, MailOnline claims a ‘statement of affairs’ filed with Companies House shows it owed £36,388 to the HMRC, £13,950 to trade creditors and £53,881 to another firm owned by Torode, Toad Productions Ltd. MailOnline reports that also went bust at the same time.
It is also alleged Torode owed £55k for an overdrawn director’s loan account. The news outlet claims the liquidator’s report states that after meetings with Torode and his accountant, it was agreed that he should pay back £33,348. It is reported he did so in instalments over six months.
MailOnline goes on to claim after £23k liquidator fees, there was only enough to pay £9,890 to creditors.
At the same time, it is alleged, Toad Productions Ltd was wound up in August 2016 and reportedly dissolved in February 2021.
It is said to have owed £58,203. This reportedly included £54,603 to HMRC and £3,600 to trade creditors. MailOnline claims liquidators clawed back £8.5k. But after paying their fees nothing remained for creditors.
July 17: Richard Osman’s podcast claims
House of Games host Richard was creative director of Endemol Shine, part of MasterChef production company Banijay, at the time of the allegations. He also spoke out.
He claimed that John did know he was sacked. Richard also said that the slur he denies using was the worst racial slur imaginable. He was told to take a year out of presenting MasterChef, and complete an awareness course. However, he refused both, Richard said.
July 18: MasterChef host in Gold Digger slur
After Richard Osman spoke out, more details of what John said were reported.
According to reports, 60-year-old celebrity chef and TV presenter repeated lyrics from Kanye West track Gold Digger which contain the highly offensive word. It’s alleged it was said at an after-work event six or seven years ago.
John is also alleged to have used the word again while talking to a friend on the BBC show’s production team. John, who denies ever using the N-word, is said to be “devastated” by the accusations.
John’s friend “did not take offence”. The person who raised the complaint that is said to have overheard the conversation. The production friend reportedly reckoned John only used the slur as an “example” and “apologised afterwards”.
July 19: Lisa Faulkner gives new interview
John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen show aired as planned on July 19. But, at that point, Lisa still hadn’t spoken out in support of her husband.
However, a chat with the Mirror – which took place before the Banijay investigation – did reveal that the pair were planning on getting away from it all for his birthday. John turned 60 on July 23 and they had plans to enjoy a trip to Cornwall.
Lisa also told the paper the key to their happy marriage.
“I honestly have no idea about why there’s such interest [in us]. I don’t read anything about us, I certainly don’t have Google alerts set up or anything. The closest I’ve come to it is probably at food shows or when people stop us in the street and say: ‘Oh we love you two,’ or that they love the shows. Maybe it’s because we genuinely have a lovely relationship?
“We’re not in each other’s pockets, which I think would make our relationship very different. So, it’s really nice to actually catch up on holidays or when we’re working together. We have a bit of banter but it’s never sniping at each other. We’re just kind to each other, we get on and we look out for each other,” she said.
July 23: BBC statement on Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s last series of MasterChef
In a statement, the BBC revealed that the last series of the cookery show that John and Gregg presented would see the light of day.
It was revealed: “MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey. This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances. And we appreciate not everyone will agree with it.”
The statement then added: “In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.
“However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised. And we want to give the audience the choice to watch the series.”
The BBC concluded its statement by describing MasterChef as “a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual”.
It concluded: “There are many talented, dedicated and hard-working people who make the show what it is. It will continue to flourish on the BBC. We look forward to it returning stronger than ever in the future.”
Lisa Faulkner thanks fans for support
Posting on her Instagram Stories on July 28, Lisa broke her silence. However, she didn’t directly address the scandal or mention her husband.
Speaking to camera, in a video message, Lisa shared: “Hi there, I just wanted to check in and say hello and I’m here.”
She then added: “Just thank you for all your really lovely comments because they really mean a lot, so thank you.”
September 8: New MasterChef presenters announced
The new judges and presenters for the MasterChef main series are food critic Grace Dent and chef Anna Haugh, who will host the 2026 season of the show.
Grace shared: “I’m over the moon to be coming back to the MasterChef kitchen and unearthing what culinary skills people have been cooking up behind closed doors. It’s a joy to be working with Anna, who brings all her incredible experience to the table. I am in for such a treat with this series, I can’t wait to get started.”
September 21: ‘Life goes on’
John was at a foodie event with wife Lisa over the weekend. Lisa told the Mail: “MasterChef will not be the same without John. But he’s doing okay.”
John, meanwhile, reportedly told festival-goers: “Life goes on! I’ve had a lot of support and I’m very grateful.”
Read more: The stars who’ve picked sides as Gregg Wallace and John Torode sacked from MasterChef
So what do you think of the Gregg Wallace and John Torode MasterChef scandal? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix to let us know.