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EXCLUSIVE: A PR expert has weighed in on the future careers for Gregg Wallace and John Torode after they have now both been axed from MasterChef amid damning claims

Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s secure futures on TV have been shattered following their axes from MasterChef after 20 years. Former greengcrocer Wallace, 60, was given the boot first following multiple allegations levelled at him.

This week, a report from legal firm Lewis Silkin said 45 out of 83 accusations against Wallace were corroborated. The report stated that two other people had substantiated claims about them.

Just hours later, Torode outed himself as one of the individual’s as he said he’d been accused of using a racist remark. The TV chef, 59, has insisted he does not remember saying the “offensive” slur, which he is said to have made eight years ago.

Last night, Torode said he only learned about his sacking for using it through the BBC News website, as he followed Wallace out of the door. Following the shock double axing, a PR expert has revealed to the Mirror what the future may look like for the pair.

Celebrity PR Specialist Kayley Cornelius told us: “While MasterChef may be able to recover from this controversy, the same optimism can’t be shared for host Gregg Wallace, whose presenting career will now undoubtedly be over. With an overwhelming number of upheld accounts against him, it would take a broadcaster with real guts to commission him for another TV show.

“In an age of cancel culture, and with broadcasters already struggling to hold on to viewers, many simply can’t afford to take the risk of welcoming Wallace back—not just financially, but internally too. Given the risk he poses to himself and others, if he were to return to the studios, I’m sure many staff would begin to turn their backs and protest against working with him.”

She explained: “The presenting sector is quickly becoming a saturated space, with new talent constantly emerging. Like a revolving door, when one leaves, there’s always another ready to step in—reducing demand.

“For Gregg, his path is already mapped out. It only takes looking at similar cases, such as Wynne Evans and Phillip Schofield —who have both recently faced comparable allegations and have since struggled to return to TV—to see what lies ahead for him. I believe history will repeat itself.”

Kayley believes Torode may stand an ever so slightly better chance despite the claim against him. Speaking to the Mirror on behalf of Betfeed, she said: “For co-host John Torode however, it may be a slightly different story.

“His TV career hangs in the balance, and only time will tell what his future could look like. If more allegations and statements come to light, like Wallace, it would likely be game over for him, too.

“Although, if the incident at hand remains an isolated account, there’s potential he could edge his way back into the industry—provided he takes some time away, proves to fans that he is sincerely sorry, and shows he has changed since those remarks.”

She concluded: “That said, like Gregg, he also faces the same issue of broadcasters not being able to invest in risky talent for fear of losing viewers. So, while there is a chance John could return to TV depending on the outcome of further investigations, I don’t believe it would be on the same scale as prime-time, and he may have to return on a smaller level.”

In awkward timing, BBC Director General Tim Davie was grilled on the future of MasterChef during the release of the annual report. Asked exactly what Torode said, Mr Davie last night replied: “I’m not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly it was serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.”

In relation to MasterChef’s future, the BBC boss continued: “I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that’s 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.”

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Like many of his predecessors, President Trump has affirmed the importance of historically Black colleges and universities, hailing them as a pathway to careers and a better life for students in the U.S.

The schools have not faced cuts to federal grants of the kind that have rocked Ivy League schools Trump has blasted as hotbeds of “wokeness” and antisemitism, and the president has said HBCUs’ core federal funding is not at risk.

But that is not to say it’s a comfortable time for HBCUs’ leaders. As the Trump administration cracks down elsewhere on programs to support underrepresented students, the colleges have been expressing gratitude for the administration’s recognition while mostly keeping quiet on its sweeping attacks against diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

“HBCUs, in general, I don’t believe are in a position to be adamantly and vociferously opposed to these attacks, but deep down we all know what’s going on,” said Deron Snyder, an alumnus of and professor at Howard University. “It’s just how much can you actually say without fear of retribution.”

An executive order signed by Trump in April recognizes HBCUs and pledges his administration’s support. It calls for an annual White House conference, private-sector partnerships and an advisory board with the Education Department, but it does not guarantee any new federal funding.

The order won praise from some Black universities, including Howard University and Morgan State University, as well as organizations that work with HBCUs. Harry Williams, president of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, said the order should serve as a call to action for corporations, foundations and lawmakers to redouble support for HBCUs and their students.

But the colleges’ leaders have said little on other administration actions that are out of line with the mission of HBCUs, which were founded to educate formerly enslaved people.

The administration’s campaign against DEI has encouraged restrictions on classroom discussions around racism and led to cuts in federal research grants. As it threatens to cut federal funding from schools, some colleges have closed diversity offices and ended other programs to support students of color.

For HBCUs, the moment is reminiscent of the era decades ago when Black colleges were compelled to argue that school segregation was wrong but also needed to maintain government support for their institutions, said Marybeth Gasman, a Rutgers University professor who has studied the history of HBCUs.

Black college leaders “don’t want HBCUs to be under the umbrella of DEI, but I don’t know any HBCU president who would agree with the way that Donald Trump is dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion efforts,” she said.

The Trump administration has cut federal research grants for several universities, pressuring them to comply with his agenda. Since Harvard University refused the administration’s demands for changes to its policies and leadership, the government has slashed $2.6 billion in funding, which the Ivy League school has described as retaliation.

In an interview in April, Trump told NewsNation that Black colleges and universities should not be concerned about losing their funding.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), vice chair of the House HBCU caucus, said there has long been bipartisan support for the colleges. But she said there will be new vigilance of their federal support in light of the administration’s record on programs serving minorities.

Sewell said it is also alarming to see the administration move to dismantle the Education Department.

“We’ll be pushing back fiercely against that and do all that we can to make sure that our HBCUs get the money that they deserve,” Sewell said. She said the Congressional Black Caucus has been paying close attention to the Republicans’ funding plan for a program that supports 19 HBCUs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Williams, of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, said HBCUs have exceeded all expectations of the opportunities they have provided for underrepresented students. He said he is grateful for the administration’s support, but when asked about its actions toward diversity initiatives, he said the administration has challenges it is working through.

“Hard work pays off and education pays off. That’s why these institutions are so critical to this country,” he said. “The realities of those other challenges that we’re grappling with right now in terms of what the administration is dealing with as it relates to their priorities, we were just pleased to know that they recognize the importance of what these institutions have done for the country will continue to do in a very deliberate way.”

Mumphrey writes for the Associated Press. AP writers Collin Binkley and Matt Brown in Washington contributed to this report.