MasterChef host John Torode reacted to the news he’d been axed as presenter of the show after 20 years last night – and today (July 16), the brutal way he discovered he was out of a job has been ‘revealed’.
The news of his sacking came on Tuesday (July 15), after it was reported that John was asked to resign from MasterChef after he was accused of racism. Last night, he claimed that neither the BBC or Banijay, which makes the show, had been in touch to deliver the news of his axe.
Now, it’s been reported exactly how John discovered the news that his contract on the show wouldn’t be renewed…
John Torode dragged into MasterChef drama with Gregg Wallace
MasterChef star John, 59, issued a statement on Instagram yesterday morning, denying the racism allegations. Hours later, the BBC shared a statement revealing that John’s contract wouldn’t be renewed.
In a statement, the BBC said: “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.
“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.”
Crucially, it then added: “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,” the statement concluded.
‘Asked to resign’
It was initially reported that the BBC and Banijay asked John to resign over the weekend. They also allegedly told MasterChef star John Torode to pretend he had mental health issues after being accused of racism. However, he refused.
“They ambushed him, and it was suggested he quit due to the stress and scrutiny of the furore around the show. Obviously he was absolutely shocked and appalled and told them quite firmly he didn’t have any mental health issues. To try to use mental health as a get-out clause seems incredibly low — and is also deeply unfair to those with genuine mental health trauma,” they said.
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John breaks silence
Yesterday evening, John addressed his exit from the show.
Posting on Instagram, he said: “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.
“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.
“Thank you for the many years of MasterChef. John Torode.”
‘He was blindsided’
Today, The Sun has ‘revealed’ how John found out his contract wouldn’t be renewed. A source claimed that the star was “blindsided” by the announcement.
Obviously he’s heartbroken. He feels he’s been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.
They claimed: “John had no idea. He was blindsided. John’s agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn’t had a chance to call him. He read about it on the BBC News website.”
The insider added: “Obviously he’s heartbroken. He feels he’s been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.”
Reports also suggest that John was planning to quit the show himself later this week.
Gregg Wallace scandal
The news came after the results of an inquiry into Gregg Wallace’s behaviour on set were revealed.
Over the past few months, Gregg has come under fire amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour and language. Last week, it was announced he had been sacked from the show.
The BBC had nothing more to add when contacted by ED!.
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