John Torode has broken his silence on his sacking from MasterChef during his first public appearance since at an event.
It was confirmed in July by the BBC and production company Banijay UK that the 59-year-old's contract on the popular show would not be renewed.
Australian-born Mr Torode, who married his wife Lisa Faulkner at Oxfordshire's Aynhoe Park near Banbury in 2019, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005.
Mr Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of 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, Mr Wallace.
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A BBC spokesperson said at the time: “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.
“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.
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— Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) September 16, 2025
“John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”
Mr Torode has now spoken briefly about the whole controversy while making his first public appearance since the news broke.
Appearing at the Festival of Food and Drink in Thoresby Hall, the TV star addressed the crowd and said: "Life goes on! I've had a lot of support and I'm very grateful."
Ms Faulkner also commented on the dismissal, telling MailOnline in an interview: "MasterChef will not be the same without John. But he's doing OK."
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