While John Torode continues to make headlines after being dropped from MasterChef, his wife Lisa Faulkner recently shared a rare glimpse into their private life—completely unaware of the storm that was about to unfold.
In an interview conducted before the controversy became public, Lisa opened up about her marriage to the TV chef, their home life, and why she doesn’t pay much attention to public scrutiny.
Lisa Keeps It Simple and Honest About Life in the Spotlight
Lisa, 53, admits she’s baffled by the public’s fascination with her and John’s relationship.
Speaking to The Mirror, she said she doesn’t read news about them and doesn’t understand why people are so curious.
“I honestly have no idea why there’s such interest,” she said. “I don’t read anything about us—I certainly don’t have Google alerts set up.”
A Relationship Built on Kindness and Balance
Lisa and John first connected through Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, which Lisa ended up winning.
Their friendship eventually blossomed into a romance, and they’ve been together since 2015.
They got married in a beautiful ceremony at Aynhoe Park, Oxfordshire, in 2019.
Lisa credits the success of their relationship to mutual respect and a healthy sense of humor.
“We have a bit of banter,” she explained, “but it’s never mean. We’re kind to each other, we get along, and we look out for one another.”
Working Together Without Overcrowding Each Other
The couple also co-hosts John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen on ITV, a show that allows them to blend their love for food and each other.
Lisa shared that while they enjoy working side by side, they make sure to create space and avoid being “in each other’s pockets.”
“It works well,” she said. “We give each other breathing room and catch up properly during downtime.”
The Storm John Torode Didn’t See Coming
While Lisa was reflecting on their relationship, things took a dramatic turn for John.
The BBC confirmed that John’s MasterChef contract would not be renewed after an internal investigation upheld an allegation that he had used a racial slur during an after-hours gathering several years ago.
The incident reportedly occurred six or seven years ago while John was singing along to Kanye West’s Gold Digger.
Although John has denied remembering the moment, witnesses claimed he used the N-word and later apologized.
BBC Cuts Ties, While ITV Stands By Him
Following the investigation, the BBC stated that John had used “an extremely offensive racist term,” leading to his removal from MasterChef.
However, ITV appears to be standing by him—for now.
An ITV insider confirmed that John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen will continue to air as planned.
The current season, now in its tenth series, will remain on the schedule for the next few weeks, with a special Christmas edition already in the pipeline.
John Responds with Confusion and Denial
After news broke of his departure from MasterChef, John took to Instagram to address the situation.
He expressed confusion, saying, “I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.”
He also claimed that neither the BBC nor the show’s production company, Banijay, had contacted him directly.
There were also claims that John had been asked to step down for mental health reasons—something both the BBC and Banijay have declined to confirm or deny.
Behind-the-Scenes Reports Paint a Complicated Picture
Since the controversy came to light, sources have spoken out about John’s alleged behavior on set.
Some described him as difficult to work with, calling him “rude and patronising.”
The investigation reportedly examined nine allegations in total—only one of which was upheld, with the rest lacking sufficient evidence or being unsubstantiated.
A Marriage Under Pressure but Holding Strong
Despite the media whirlwind surrounding John, Lisa has remained quiet in recent days.
Her earlier comments about their marriage—highlighting mutual care and trust—paint a picture of a partnership built on strength, not shaken easily by public noise.
Whether or not this storm passes quickly, one thing is clear: Lisa and John’s story continues to unfold on screen and behind the scenes.