On July 14 and 15, 2025, the BBC made a seismic announcement that has sent shockwaves through the world of television and beyond: two of the long-standing hosts of its flagship cooking show, MasterChef, John Torode and Gregg Wallace, have been dismissed following serious allegations upheld by an independent investigation.
John Torode, 59, who has been a beloved face on MasterChef since 2005, was revealed to be the subject of an allegation involving the use of an "extremely offensive racist term" in the workplace. This claim was substantiated by a comprehensive investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin, which examined workplace culture and complaint handling across the production over nearly two decades. The BBC confirmed on July 15 that Torode’s contract would not be renewed, marking his departure from the show.
Torode himself broke his silence on July 14 via Instagram, acknowledging that he was "the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion" during the investigation. However, he maintained his innocence, stating, "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened." He also noted that the person he was speaking with did not believe the remark was intended maliciously and that he had apologized immediately afterward. Expressing shock and sadness, Torode said, "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."
This revelation comes hot on the heels of the BBC's announcement on July 14 that Gregg Wallace, Torode’s longtime co-host, had also been severed from the show. Wallace, 60, faced a staggering 45 substantiated allegations, mostly concerning inappropriate sexual language and humor, but also including culturally insensitive and racist comments spanning from 2005 to 2024. The investigation, commissioned by the show's producer Banijay UK following media reports, spanned seven months and involved interviews with 78 witnesses.
The BBC and Banijay UK have both emphasized their zero-tolerance stance on such behavior. A BBC spokesperson stated, "We will not tolerate racist language of any kind," and confirmed that they had instructed Banijay UK to take action regarding Torode’s case. Banijay UK echoed the seriousness of the findings, underscoring that despite Torode's denial and lack of recollection, the complaint was upheld and that they, alongside the BBC, agreed not to renew his contract.
The departures of Torode and Wallace represent a significant upheaval for MasterChef, a show that has become a cornerstone of BBC One’s programming and a global phenomenon. Since its inception in 2005 with the duo at the helm, the competition series has spawned numerous international versions and spin-offs, earning a devoted fan base worldwide.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie addressed the controversy on July 15 during the BBC Annual Report press briefing. He expressed confidence that MasterChef is "much bigger than individuals" and can "absolutely survive and prosper" without Wallace and, by implication, Torode. Davie pointed out that the show is currently renewed until 2028 and that he envisions it continuing well beyond that with a new presenter lineup. "We have to make sure we’re in the right place in terms of culture," he said, emphasizing the importance of aligning the program's environment with the BBC's values.
Davie also revealed that since the launch of a recent cultural review in April 2025, several BBC staff have come forward with complaints, leading to multiple dismissals. BBC Chair Samir Shah highlighted this shift, saying, "Since April more staff have been confident to step forward and several people have been dismissed as a result," signaling a broader crackdown on misconduct within the corporation.
Regarding the upcoming season of MasterChef, which features Wallace, Davie admitted to facing a "difficult decision" about whether to air it. His primary concern lies with the amateur chefs who "gave their heart and soul to this programme." He stated that the BBC is consulting with these contestants and considering audience sentiment before making a final call, underscoring the careful deliberation underway.
The BBC’s handling of these cases has reignited scrutiny over its approach to misconduct allegations. The Lewis Silkin investigation not only substantiated claims against Wallace and Torode but also examined ten standalone allegations against other individuals involved with the production, substantiating two more cases related to inappropriate language, including swearing and racist remarks.
This wave of revelations and consequent dismissals has undoubtedly cast a shadow over one of the BBC’s most successful and enduring formats. Yet, as Director-General Davie remarked, the show’s legacy and audience loyalty offer hope that MasterChef can navigate this turbulent period and emerge renewed.
For nearly two decades, Torode and Wallace’s partnership helped to define the show’s identity, blending culinary expertise with engaging personalities. Their departure leaves a significant void, raising questions about the future direction of the series and the potential new faces that might lead it forward.
As the BBC and Banijay UK work to rebuild trust and ensure a culture aligned with their values, the coming months will be crucial. The decisions made now will not only shape the fate of MasterChef but also signal the broadcaster’s commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.
In the midst of this upheaval, viewers and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how the BBC balances accountability with the preservation of a beloved program. One thing is certain: the era of Torode and Wallace on MasterChef has come to an end, ushering in a new chapter for the iconic show.
