Celebrity MasterChef fans were left scratching their heads on Monday when John Torode appeared on the show months after his BBC departure.
The 60-year-old chef had been axed in July following allegations of using a racist slur, while co-host Gregg Wallace faced multiple complaints regarding inappropriate sexual language and unwanted physical contact.
Filming Completed Before Sacking
Before their exits, John had filmed the Celebrity MasterChef series alongside new host Grace Dent, 52.
The BBC confirmed that airing the series wasn’t a “straightforward decision,” but every celebrity contestant had given their blessing.
Despite this, viewers were still taken aback to see John back on screen as the kitchen moved to Birmingham, featuring stars like singer Anthony Costa and Drag Race contestant Ginger Johnson.
Fans React With Surprise and Humor
Social media erupted with disbelief and commentary.
One viewer asked, “I thought John had been sacked as well?!?” while another joked, “John: It’s #celebritymasterchef and we are back. You’re not back for long, fella.”
Some fans even picked up on John’s awkward phrasing, highlighting the humor in his opening lines.
Grace Dent Discusses Her Role and Relationships
New host Grace Dent opened up about stepping into the series.
She will co-present the 2026 series with Anna Haugh, 44, aiming to shift the show’s “male energy.”
While Grace praised John as a “friend for life” and described him as “kind, clever, and thoughtful,” she admitted her opinion of Gregg Wallace is now irrelevant following his departure.
Grace explained, “After reading the entire BBC report, my recollections of having a nice time with him are beside the point.
It’s not about what I think.” She also said she consciously ignored Gregg’s public comments after his axing to focus on her new responsibilities.
Changing the Show’s Dynamic
Grace reflected on the long-standing male dominance of MasterChef: “It was utter male energy all the time.
To be there now with a woman by my side, it’s fantastic.”
She emphasized her commitment to creating a more balanced environment alongside Anna Haugh.
John Torode on Moving Forward
John shared his own perspective via Instagram Stories, emphasizing that he has “nothing to prove” and is focused on moving forward. His post read:
“The best decision I ever made? To be quiet and move on. I have nothing to prove.
I’m not here to convince anyone to love me or that I’m a great person.
I’m not fixing what I didn’t break, and I’m not fighting for anyone to see my worth.
Whatever you do is on you—and that’s your journey, not mine. As for me? I’m moving forward.”
Life After MasterChef
John’s wife, Lisa Faulkner, told the Daily Mail that while MasterChef won’t be the same without him, he is “doing OK.”
John himself expressed gratitude for the support he has received, saying, “Life goes on! I’ve had a lot of support and I’m very grateful.”
Meanwhile, Gregg Wallace is pursuing legal action against the BBC, claiming distress and harassment following his dismissal.
A Tumultuous Period for the BBC
John’s return coincides with the BBC undergoing leadership changes and facing a series of controversies.
Tim Davie, the corporation’s director-general, resigned after 20 years amid concerns over impartiality, including issues surrounding content edits, staff prosecutions, and programming controversies.
Despite the upheaval, John Torode seems determined to move forward, embracing his work on the show alongside new co-host Grace Dent while leaving past disputes behind.
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