Gregg Wallace

Allegations against MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld, and they both lost their jobs on the BBC programme, which has aired in various guises since 2005

The BBC has stressed it wants to “properly recognise” the MasterChef contestants by airing a series filmed last year before allegations against Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld.

The corporation confirmed yesterday the latest amateur series has been given the green light for broadcast from August 6 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This is despite the scandal around both Wallace and Torode, who lost their hosting roles after 20 years. Most of the 83 allegations made against Wallace were for inappropriate sexual language and humour while Torode allegedly used a serious racial term.

But they filmed a series last year before these claims were upheld, and the BBC has decided to air this to honour the amateur chefs involved. However, the futures of the celebrity series and the Christmas special, again both already filmed, remain unclear as yet.

Reacting to the news on Wednesday, one former MasterChef worker said the decision to go ahead showed “a blatant disregard for the people who have come forward”.

Speaking to BBC News, she warned it was “a total reversal of so-called firing from MasterChef – how can you be fired by your work is still made public? While a gap in the prime time schedule is not ideal, for integrity they should have found other series to go into those slots.”

READ MORE: MasterChef’s new hosts ‘revealed’ after Gregg Wallace and John Torode scandal

However, the BBC said in full: “After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August. 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. 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 give the audience the choice to watch the series.

“At this stage we have not taken a decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, which was filmed earlier this year, and we will confirm our plans later in the year.

“Most importantly MasterChef is a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual. There are many talented, dedicated and hard-working people who make the show what it is. It will continue to flourish on the BBC and we look forward to it returning stronger than ever in the future.”

The statement followed news last week that Torode’s contract on MasterChef would not be renewed, as confirmed by the BBC and production company Banijay UK.

Torode, who celebrated his 60th birthday on Wednesday, confirmed he was the subject of an allegation about using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace.

JOHN Torode directed the N-word at staff member as well as singing it in a Kanye West song, claimed a source.

We reported yesterday how the MasterChef star, 59, repeated lyrics from Gold Digger, which contain the racial slur, at an after-work ­gathering six or seven years ago.

5

5

5

Torode is said to have used the word again while ­chatting to a pal on the BBC show’s production team – who did not take offence.

Torode, who vehemently denies ever using the N-word, is “utterly devastated” by the accusations and has “absolutely no recollection”.

He was sacked this week after an investigation by the Beeb and production company Banijay – which also saw former co-host Gregg Wallace axed for inappropriate behaviour.

However, the BBC has how revealed the second incident was not the one reported and led to a complaint.

The allegation was actually in reference to an incident that unfolded a year before.

An insider claimed Torode used the “extremely offensive racist term” on set after filming a MasterChef episode.

It was allegedly directed towards a member of staff.

And, there were eight further complaints lodged against Torode, which ranged from alleged racist comments, sexual remarks and abusive language towards junior production employees.

But, they were not upheld due to lack of evidence.

The report has also highlighted a complaint against a third unnamed person for swearing.

According to the BBC, this is in reference to a senior exec on the show.

The company also lifted the lid on Torode and Wallace’s partnership and how the on-screen pals were “never friends” behind the scenes.

An ex-staffer claimed: “Clearly they had a good chemistry when the cameras were rolling. But you rarely saw them interact when the cameras were off.

“And when Gregg was saying inappropriate things like that, John held his counsel. I never saw him step in.”

5

5

Torode himself admitted “we’ve never been friends. We’ve not been to each other’s houses”, in 2017.

He even confessed to the Mirror there had been “a couple of standoffs” which left Torode walking away from his co-star.

When allegations about Wallace came to light last year, Torode’s lack of support was glaringly obvious.

In his brief statement, he said the “thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear”.

It was enough to reportedly make Wallace “furious” and led to the chef unfollowing him and his co-host’s wife Lisa Faulkner.

This comes after a source told The Sun Torode is in “a pretty bad way — he’s feeling very fragile” since being sacked this week.

Melbourne-born John moved to the UK in 1991 and started working in London restaurants including Quaglino’s.

It was there he met greengrocer Wallace, who provided their veg.

He started cooking on This Morning in 1996 before he and Wallace began hosting the revamped MasterChef in 2005.

But the host was only spoken to by a representative from legal firm Lewis Silkin at the end of June as part of the inquiry into his ­MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace.

A source added: “One of the allegations is that he said the N-word while repeating Kanye’s Gold Digger song during a gathering with his colleagues when filming had ended. John is adamant he would never have used the N-word and only knows the radio version of the song which says, ‘Now I ain’t sayin’ she a gold digger, but she ain’t messin’ with no broke, broke’. The clean version of the song is the only one he knows.

“The person who raised the complaint didn’t say anything at the time. So John only found out a few weeks ago that this issue had been raised.

“This has hit him like a ton of bricks as he does not recall it.

“He insists he would never have repeated the N-word in those lyrics because he only knows the radio edit of that song.”

Those close to Torode have criticised the BBC’s handling of his departure, with his representatives only being made aware his contract wasn’t being renewed after the BBC press office released a statement.

A source added: “John is devastated by all of this. He is being supported by his wife Lisa and friends. They’re keeping him close because he has really been struggling.

“John abhors this kind of language and does not recall ever reciting a racist slur in a lyric, or directing one to someone he considered a friend at work.

“He adored MasterChef. It was a huge part of his life. To have it all ending like this is awful.”

Wallace, 60, was also officially sacked this week by the BBC and Banijay after an independent investigation was carried out into allegations of bad behaviour on the show between 2005 and 2024.

A total of 45 out of 83 allegations were upheld.

The majority were inappropriate sexual language.

One related to unwanted touching.

BBC boss Tim Davie has since broke his silence on the future of MasterChef following the scandal.

He said: “I absolutely think it does, 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.”

The Sun revealed that the final MasterChef series, with Wallace and Torode as hosts, will air “once the dust has settled”.

Meanwhile, Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner has revealed “I don’t read anything about us” as she opened up about her six-year marriage.

Forget MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace and John Torode, Jessica Boulton’s ruthless rundown of the showbiz week reveals the EIGHT stories you should be talking about instead….. including the only cancelled BBC star who actually deserves our tears

Jessica Boulton works on the Mirror’s features desk, specialising in celebrity features and interviews. She also writes a weekly observational comedy column Jess Saying, which runs each Saturday. In addition, she oversees the entertainment pages, helps co-ordinate the Pride of Britain coverage and newsletter and guest edits The Diary. Jessica joined The Mirror’s sister paper The People in 2006, and has since worked on the Sunday Mirror and Now magazine. Most likely to be found raving about The Oscars, BAFTAs, Netflix, Friends or Star Wars.

Daily Mirror Columnist Jessica Boulton brings you Jess Saying, her wry, witty and slightly whimsical take on the heroes and villains, winners and losers and the outright outrageous showbiz shenanigans keeping us amused this week. So….where better to start than….

JUSTICE FOR BBC ICON MONDAY

I’ve always considered myself to be woke. I’m left-wing, open-minded and look good in red (in the UK, definitely not in the US). I’d fully support trigger warnings on Bambi and The Lion King. And I’d argue there should be one on Titanic (for “scenes of disturbing door hoggery”). But this week I’m afraid to say, even I think the woke world has gone too far. For a true BBC icon has ­outrageously and undeservedly been cancelled. It’s a sad, sad state of affairs after 30 years of excellence. But it’s a sign of the times: one day everyone loves you and the next…you’re persona non grata, written off as a bad fit for the Gen Zs of today (who don’t watch TV anyway, so why are we pandering?). So which iconic BBC veteran has been tragically stripped of work this week? Clue: they first appeared in 1995 – and won millions of fans overnight. Yes, you’ve guessed it. There’s only one BBC star I’m weeping for: Mr Darcy. Well, his Wet White Shirt, to be precise.

For three decades, the sterling performance of Colin Firth’s infamous Pride and Prejudice shirt has never been equalled. But its outstanding contribution to entertainment has now been called into question – over fears it’s been objectifying men. Yup. It’s true. Some buttoned-up bores at Netflix are currently debating what’ll make the cut and what won’t in their upcoming P&P remake.

READ MORE: MasterChef bosses decide BBC show fate for coming years after show scandal

Considering Slow Horses’ Jack Lowden is the new Darcy (alongside The Crown’s Emma Corrin as Lizzie Bennet), I was FERVENTLY in support of the decision to completely remove the Wet White Shirt, at first.

But then I realised I’d got the wrong end of the stick…I’m only teasing of course. But I do have two little points I’d like to flag to people’s attention:

POINT 1. What else would Netflix need to change to fit a more ‘2025-friendly’ adaptation? Jane’s famous first line definitely loses a certain something after my woke rewrite:

“It is a truth universally acknowledged – but not necessarily accepted as we each have our ‘own truth’ – that a single man, sorry, dependent-free gender-neutral individual, in possession of a ‘good fortune’ (aka, a disproportionate amount of wealth thanks to genetic privilege and the unjust dominance of patriarchy), must be – although is under no obligation to be and will face no ­judgment if they are not – in want of a wife…..or a loving relationship that equally fulfils the needs of both you and your consenting partner/partners, but does not necessarily adhere to any ­societal expectations.”

And POINT 2: ……Season 2, Episode 5 of NETFLIX’S Bridgerton. Look familiar, guys?

NAKED AMBITION TUESDAY

The Primetime Emmy nominations are finally in! Adolescence was the UK’s biggest contender this year – with nods including Best Actor for Stephen Graham and Best Supporting for 15-year-old Owen Cooper (I’d argue it should be reversed).

Meanwhile, leading the way with a mindblowing 27 noms was Apple’s truly genius Severance – a drama in which people clock off at 5pm and all memory of work from that day is completely wiped. (You can decide for yourselves if that’s a good thing or not.)

The most delightful Emmy news of all? Nobody Wants This, with my all-time celeb faves Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, landed nods for best comedy series, actor and actress. It was an achievement ­Kristen’s hubby Dax Shepard immediately celebrated with this pic – of Kristen’s naked yoga workout.

I’m not married, so maybe I’m wrong… But should Dax really have gone so very public with his congratulations? A great big bear bare hug may have been the better choice.

END OF TORODE WEDNESDAY

Talking of draaaaaama and cancellations… it was all going off the boil at MasterChef this week. Just days after Gregg Wallace was given the heave-ho after vowing to fight the dozens of allegations against him, his co-star John Torode was ALSO left with egg on his face. Torode was accused of making a racial slur – said to be “the worst word possible” – in a social setting some years ago. Torode denied it. But it left Auntie with a sour taste, so he was sent packing with a P45 as well.

The poor BBC now has an entire as-yet-unreleased pre-recorded series of MasterChef with not one but TWO disgraced hosts. That’s got to be tough to swallow. It also explains the reasoning behind one of its latest new hires. For even wholesome Blue Peter has had its share of scandalous stars…

So when faced with finding its latest prestigious presenter, the Beeb hired someone who’s been nothing but a safe pair of hands their whole career. Some might even go as far to say he’s the perfect ­corporate puppet.….(see below).

FISHING FOR INSULTS? THURSDAY

Gregg and John might be in for a grilling over their alleged behaviour, but another under-fire celeb, Sacha Baron Cohen, was probably feeling a little, um, roasted this week. Yes, his actress ex-wife Isla Fisher has not had the most amicable of splits with Da Ali G and Borat actor. So some social media users took her quip on Instagram to be a tiny dig at his expense (literally). The Confessions Of A Shopaholic star wrote: “For all the men who say ‘Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?’, here’s an update for you. “Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why?

“Because women realise it’s not worth buying an entire pig… just to get a little sausage.” No porkies there! I’d rather bring home the bacon alone than be stuck with a man who’s the literal wurst. So, bravo, Isla! That took proper chops.

FACING FACTS FRIDAY

You can’t make this one up. And to be fair, whatever you say about Katie Price, at least she can take the mickey out of herself. Which is why she’s made a startling admission this week. Apparently Katie was ­travelling and got pulled over by ­security at passport control – because she’s had so many trips under the knife, the scanners couldn’t recognise her passport photo. Yes, Katie might have been accused of being two-faced in the past, but, as she’ll admit herself, she’s been through at least 10 of them now. On the upside, it’s something to add to her CV next time she’s bankrupt. After all, everyone wants their staff to multi-faceted nowadays.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

She’s always been a woman with Klass. So it’s good to see Myleene hasn’t let her newly-award MBE go to her head. Ahem.

Yes, Myleene was presented the honour this week after her tireless charity work, including raising the awareness of the emotional toll of miscarriage. But it looks like the Hear’Say singer might be taking the honour a little too literally.

For the morning after receiving the medal – alongside fellow honouree Leona Lewis OBE – Myleene posted this bathtime snap.

Umm….It looks like you’ve got a little something in your hair, Myleene. To be fair, it could have been worse. She could have posted a snap of her in her tiara….sitting on the throne.

JESS A QUICKIE:

Myleene’s not the only one having some bathroom fun. Charlotte Crosby decided to promote her new fiction tome by sitting in a bath of books. It makes sense: she’s always swimming with novel ideas.* *Sorry I couldn’t help myself

What do you think? Let me know in the comments or via IG/X @JessicaBoulton

Watch Stranger Things on Netflix for free with Sky

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

from £15

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.

This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things.

John Torode is preparing to take legal action against the BBC after he was sacked from MasterChef, sources have revealed to us. He was sacked from the show after an allegation against him using of him using “an extremely offensive racist term”

John Torode is preparing to take legal action against the BBC after he was sacked from MasterChef. He was ditched from the cooking show after an allegation against him using “an extremely offensive racist term” was upheld.

John said he had “no recollection” of it happening – and in a statement told how he’d only found out his contract had been terminated after the Beeb and producers Banijay put out the news. Now sources close to the star say he’s speaking to employment lawyers as he fights to “clear his name.”

“John is preparing to launch the lawsuit against the BBC,” tells the insider. “He wants to pursue them for unfair dismissal. He’s telling people there is no proof of his supposed comment. It was not in a work capacity, it was just hearsay. John is determined to clear his name.”

Torode, 59, followed his MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace out of the door at the BBC for allegedly using racist language.

The Australian star continues to insist he had no knowledge of the “offensive” comment he was accused of making, despite lawyers Lewis Silkin upholding the complaint, said to be from 2018 in their independent investigation into the series.

It came after the firm upheld 45 out of 83 claims against Wallace, 60, including “unwanted physical contact”, “being in a state of undress”, bullying and inappropriate jokes.

Torode himself revealed he was the subject on an allegation, saying: “I do not believe that it happened.” The source said the move took the Beeb by surprise.

“John is a tough talking Aussie and does not stand to ceremony. The BBC were not expecting John Torode to jump the gun about the comment and make a statement.”

MasterChef production company Banijay UK said it had discussed the matter with Torode and with the BBC and that they “are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef “.

But in a statement released on Tuesday night, Torode said: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay, I am seeing and reading I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef. 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.”

He said Celebrity MasterChef, which he recently filmed with food critic Grace Dent, along with two Christmas specials, would be his last. “Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else.”

Speaking to BBC News on Tuesday afternoon, BBC Director General Davie described the allegation against Torode as “a serious racist term which does not get to be acceptable in any way shape or form. It’s really important we are taking this seriously,” he said. “We’ve drawn a line in the sand.”

It comes as the Mirror can reveal ITV are set to stand by John Torode and give his TV career a lifeline. Multiple sources at the channel said there were “no current changes to scheduling” for the weekend. This means the third episode of John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen will go out at 11.40am on Saturday. He hosts the show with wife Lisa Faulkner and it is the 10th anniversary series on air.

One ITV source said: “I think we will keep going with the show. We don’t know the details of the BBC issue and have never had any trouble with him ourselves. We obviously have our own complaints handling procedure and a code of conduct for talent at ITV. There have been no issues raised with John so the series is set to continue to air.”

Another source said the developments have been “hard for Lisa”, who is “conscious of their ITV show and doesn’t want to jeopardise that.” Torode’s dismissal comes as the BBC confirmed that several members of staff have been sacked following a recent review into the corporation’s culture.

Samir Shah, chairman of the BBC, acknowledged that some powerful individuals still make life “unbearable” for their colleagues.

Speaking as the corporation released its annual report on Tuesday, he acknowledged that over the past year there had been a “string of revelations” about abuses of power at the corporation. Our staff are dedicated, hardworking and treat each other with respect,” he said. “However, there are pockets in the organisation where this is not the case. There are still places where powerful individuals – on and off-screen – can abuse that power to make life for their colleagues unbearable.”

Director-general Tim Davie insisted he can lead the BBC in the “right way” after the series of scandals. The corporation has been criticised for recent failings, which include breaching its own editorial guidelines and allegations surrounding the former MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode.

Asked after the release of the 2024/2025 annual report whether he would resign, he said: “I simply think I’m in a place where I can work to improve dramatically the BBC and lead it in the right way.

“There’s enormous, massive noise and different opinions about what we should do, but I think we have been clear. We are making the right decisions. We’re being transparent. I would also say that… I’ve set a very clear stall out in terms of impartiality.”

Question marks now hang over the full recording of BBC1 ’s amateur version of MasterChef, put on ice over the probe into Wallace, and the 20th celebrity series, with 20 faces yet to be named, plus judge Grace Dent.

But Davie insisted the show would survive. “It’s a great programme, well loved by audiences. It is bigger than individuals. It 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.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

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.”

READ MORE: Get 30% off menopause supplements for bloating women ‘wish they’d found sooner’

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Chef John Torode was reportedly axed from MasterChef yesterday after BBC boss Tim Davie said no star was bigger than the show – and it’s now emerged how John found out

Masterchef’s John Torode was left in shock yesterday after he found out he had been unceremoniously dropped from the popular cooking series, having discovered his fate on the BBC website.

The unexpected ousting followed comments from BBC boss Tim Davie, who stated that no presenter is bigger than the show itself, as reported by The Sun.

The famed cook, aged 59, was reportedly devastated when the BBC and production company Banijay confirmed his sudden exit amid allegations of racist language, coming in the wake of the explosive Gregg Wallace scandal.

An insider disclosed:

“John had no idea. He was blindsided.”

In a remarkable turn of events, it emerged that the Aussie chef’s representative was given a mere 11 minutes’ heads-up before the news was made public, reports the Express.

An source shared:

“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. Obviously he’s heartbroken.

“He feels he’s been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.”

Despite the controversy, Torode took to Instagram with a resolute message: “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.

“I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else.”

The shocking report into the conduct of MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace, 60, validated an astonishing 45 out of 83 complaints dating from 2005 to 2024, culminating in his own spectacular downfall.

As we disclosed yesterday, BBC executives had insisted at the weekend that Torode step down, alleging he was grappling with mental health problems. He declined to do so.

John Torode, who has presented BBC’s MasterChef with Gregg Wallace since it was revived as MasterChef Goes Large in 2005, said he had “no recollection of the incident”

John Torode says he is “shocked and saddened” by the allegation he used racist language working on MasterChef.

The presenter, who has hosted the BBC show with Gregg Wallace since it was revived as MasterChef Goes Large in 2005, insists he has “absolutely no recollection” of the incident, which was upheld as part of a review into the behaviour of Wallace.

Wallace, 60, was sacked last week after a nearly year-long investigation into misconduct claims. Some 50 made fresh misconduct claims against the TV presenter, according to BBC News, though Wallace denied all allegations.

Now, it has emerged two standalone allegations were made against other people, one of which was the use of racist language made by 59-year-old Torode. Speaking last night in the wake of the fresh developments, another blow to the MasterChef brand, Torode said: “Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld.

“For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.

“I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”

READ MORE: MasterChef’s new host Grace Dent savaged show and dished up Gregg Wallace barbs

The chef, who has also been a regular on This Morning, posted his piece on Instagram following Wallace’s statement, in which he said he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused”. The entrepreneur, originally from Peckham, southeast London, added he “never set out to harm or humiliate” in the wake of the report, which said one allegation of “unwelcome physical contact” was upheld. In all, 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, the report by MasterChef production company Banijay UK and led by law firm Lewis Silkin found.

As soon as the investigation into the historical allegations of misconduct was opened last year, Wallace stepped down from his role on the BBC programme. Yet, in a statement last week, the father of three made a reference to “trial by media” – despite dozens of allegations being upheld.

“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,” Wallace, who has also been on Saturday Kitchen, said.

The report found that the “majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018”, with only one allegation substantiated after 2018. MasterChef returned to our screens in 2005 – after a four-year break – under the guise of MasterChef Goes Large and has since been branded as MasterChef. Two Christmas specials scheduled to air in the festive period last year were pulled by the BBC amid the investigation.

Food critic Grace Dent, 51, is said to be replacing Gregg Wallace, 60, on MasterChef UK after the TV host was sacked from the BBC show by its production company Banijay

I’m a Celebrity star Grace Dent is said to be replacing Gregg Wallace on MasterChef UK.

A source has claimed the food critic, 51, will appear on the show alongside John Torode, 59, with filming set to begin at the end of summer. The claims emerged days after Gregg, 60, shared a statement warning he would “not go quietly” after he was sacked from the BBC show by its production company Banijay as 50 more people came forward to make allegations of misconduct, which he strongly denies.

According to the insider, Grace, who replaced Gregg on Celebrity MasterChef earlier this year, is “a natural fit” for the show. The source added that Grace “loves to support up-and-coming talent in the industry and loves the format of the show.”

READ MORE: John Torode breaks social media silence after Gregg Wallace sacking and BBC ban

They told The Sun: “Filming is expected to start at the end of the summer through December. They are also filming at new studios in Birmingham, so it will be a fresh start all round.” When it was confirmed in December last year that Grace, who starred on I’m a Celebrity in 2023 but left on medical grounds after nine days, was stepping in for Celebrity MasterChef, she said: “I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa.

“My whole family watches it. It’s all about uncovering and championing talent, and to have ended up in this position is more than a dream to me. I’m so excited that I can’t eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic.

“I feel very lucky to be stepping in for the next Celebrity MasterChef. I can’t wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025.” Jon added of her colleague: “I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.”

The news emerged just days after Gregg issued a furious statement on social media, claiming that the Silkin’s Report into his alleged misconduct “exonerates him of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year.” In a lengthy post shared on social media, he wrote: “I’ve taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly. But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.

“I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.”

He added: “My decision to go public now is also driven by the fact the BBC News division are intending to platform legally unsafe accusations, including claims which have already been investigated and not upheld by the BBC and found not credible by Silkins. The BBC is no longer providing balanced and impartial public service journalism.

“It is peddling baseless and sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories. The BBC is choosing to allow BBC News to run with this uncorroborated tittle tattle in an attempt to ‘get ahead’ of the Silkin’s summary report and derail what has been an extremely thorough process.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”

The Mirror has reached out to MasterChef and Grace Dent’s representatives for comment.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Associate Editor Tom Bryant reflects on meeting Masterchef star Gregg Wallace who opened up about his fears over losing his job during an extraordinary interview in late 2023

After I spent a morning in Gregg Wallace’s company, I felt like I needed a lie down. Meeting him to record an episode of my podcast, he was – at first – everything I had expected him to be: brash, extrovert and very loud.

In fact, he was not unlike his persona on BBC show MasterChef, with his booming voice and cockney cackle of a laugh. But after a few hours with him in late 2023 – and a very revealing interview – I came away with a very different perspective of the former Peckham greengrocer. Namely: how has this clearly troubled man with a host of demons risen to the top of the TV pile and stayed there for so long?

READ MORE: Katie Price slammed for ‘sunburning’ cat in new animal cruelty row

It’s pertinent now as his career lies in tatters amid a swirl of accusations. This week alone we learned that 50 more people have made claims about him to BBC News.

Most accuse him of inappropriate sexual comments. Eleven women accuse him of ­inappropriate sexual behaviour, which he denies. If the claims against him are true, you can see in a heartbeat why he was relieved of his job as MasterChef co-host, a role he had since 2005.

When I met him in 2023, I found it hard to comprehend how he coped in the glare of the public eye. The answer was that he didn’t.

During our recording in the basement of a private members’ club in Soho in London’s West End, he talked about how being on TV exacerbated his mental health struggles.

It was a candid chat. But there was a niggling thought at the back of my mind that things wouldn’t end well.

I couldn’t put my finger on it – and I still struggle to – but 20 months later, the situation has well and truly imploded. He had revealed how the more famous he got, the worse his anxiety grew. He told me: “I used to not be able to go on holiday without getting anxiety attacks.”

At one point, Gregg looked me in the eye as he said how he lived in constant fear his career could end at any moment.

He said: “Why was I always scared of losing my job? Why was I always scared of losing my house? Why was I always scared of being poor?”

Being on telly made his anxiety levels soar. “TV is terrible for someone with anxiety,” he said. “I’ve had the same PA for 12 years. She went, ‘My word, you picked the wrong profession.’”

His stint on Strictly was a disaster. BBC bosses were so worried they got a therapist for him mid-series.

He said: “I was having a tough time. I was really stressed – so badly that the side of my face broke out into a rash, like cold sores.”

He told me his fourth wife Anna pleaded with him for them to quit the UK and live in Italy, asking him: “Is this worth it?”

A lot of his issues stemmed from a childhood blighted by abuse. Aged eight, he was sexually assaulted by a babysitter’s husband. Gregg told me: “I didn’t tell anybody at the time. I did tell my mum when I was older but she didn’t seem to want to know.”

He said of the abuse: “It was quite a horrendous situation for a young boy.”

Clearly, none of this could excuse some of the appalling behaviour heis now accused of.

There are some who may question why Gregg was on TV in the first place given his fragility. But mental health problems should not preclude you from your passion.

And I’m told that producers ­recognised he needed help and assigned him a full-time welfare specialist over the past six months.

This week he claimed to have received a formal autism diagnosis. Gregg, 60, said on Tuesday: “My neuro-diversity, now formally ­diagnosed as autism, was suspected by colleagues across countless seasons of Master-Chef. Yet nothing was done to ­investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for 20 years.”

Autism charities have reacted with fury to these comments, with one saying the condition is “not a free pass for bad behaviour”. Emily Banks, founder of neurodiversity training body Enna, said: “Being autistic is never an excuse for misconduct.

“It doesn’t absolve anyone of responsibility and it doesn’t mean you can’t tell right from wrong.”

But as one executive on a rival channel told me: “This isn’t about whether Gregg has autism.

“This is about what MasterChef knew about the wronged women over the years, and whether they just turned a blind eye.”

We now have to wait and see if the long-awaited MasterChef review into the saga provides the answers when it comes back on Monday.

Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.

The BBC has told Greg Wallace that they don’t believe he’ll change his behaviour in a scathing letter from compliance boss Claire Powell that has been shared with The Mirror

Gregg Wallace struggles to grasp the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, BBC bosses claim. And in a letter sacking him from his MasterChef job, the corporation insisted he is unlikely to change amid accusations that include groping, flashing and making sexual comments that go back years.

While the 60-year-old has admitted using inappropriate language at times, he denies the more serious allegations and has now hired an “aggressive” lawyer who may challenge his axing. In the letter from the BBC to Wallace, extracts of which have been seen by the Mirror, compliance boss Claire Powell refers to the findings of a law firm’s probe into his behaviour – which are yet to be released.

She said: “I do not have the confidence that you can change what seems to be learned behaviour for you to make what you perceive to be jokes in the work -environment, without understanding the boundaries of what is appropriate.

“You acknowledge some of your comments have offended or upset people. But it is clear that you struggle to distinguish the boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate -behaviour in the workplace, as well as lacking an awareness of why your behaviour impacts others.

“I do not have confidence that your behaviour can change.”

A source close to Wallace said the TV chef claims the letter is unfair. But show producers Banijay are understood to be in no doubt about the next steps that need to be taken after the report by law firm Lewis Silkin.

The insider said the letter refers to Wallace’s autism and appears to accept his condition. The source said: “He’s been formally diagnosed with autism, a recognised disability, but the BBC seems to be saying it can’t cope with a disabled person. It sounds a lot like discrimination to us.”

Wallace is now understood to have hired Dan Morrison, one of the UK’s top litigation lawyers who has worked with Nigel Farage and footballer John Terry.

His firm’s profile page states: “Dan has recovered billions of pounds for his clients over 25 years of legal practice. He is known for his aggressive approach to litigation and his ability to negotiate favourable settlements for his clients.”

Wallace is expected to try to sue the BBC, although it is not yet clear if this will be for unfair dismissal, or something else.

He was warned by the BBC after a complaint was raised about him in 2018 on the show Impossible Celebrities. He apologised and was offered counselling.

Wallace was told in a meeting to change his behaviour and had coaching the following year. There were also complaints about him that same year on MasterChef. He was given a dressing down by Kate Phillips, who was then controller of entertainment and is now the BBC’s chief content officer.

She reportedly told Wallace his behaviour had been -“unacceptable and cannot continue”. BBC News has claimed that 50 more people have made claims about him.

Banijay last night declined to comment. The BBC also said it would not comment beyond the statement issued on Tuesday, which stated: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace.

“We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”

Wallace insisted earlier this week: “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.”

Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.