John Torode says 'I had no idea' about MasterChef sacking in scathing BBC attack

John Torode has admitted that he had "no idea" about his MasterChef sacking until he read about it as he "hasn't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banjay". The cooking show presenter was axed from his hosting duties, not far behind his co-star Gregg Wallace, after a report upheld claims that he had made a "serious" racist remark.

In a statement on Instagram, the 59-year-old celebrity chef shared his surprise at his exit from the show, as he said: "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. The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that."

Torode continued: "Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future. Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last.

"Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have."

He added: "I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. Thank you for the many years of MasterChef."

It comes as Torode admitted to being the name behind allegations, which were uncovered in an investigation into the behaviour of his co-star, Gregg Wallace - who was also sacked from MasterChef.

In total, the report says 83 allegations were made against Wallace, with the majority of the substantiated claims relating to inappropriate sexual language and humour, but also culturally insensitive or racist comments. The dossier into Wallace's behaviour also upheld a complaint that an unnamed person used a racial phrase on one occasion several years ago - which Torode later admitted was him.

On Monday, Torode admitted: "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 between 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."

He added: "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."

Confirming his sacking on Tuesday, a statement from the BBC read: "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. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed."