Renowned chef Thomasina Miers, the first winner of MasterChef‘s rebooted series in 2005, has spoken out against the BBC’s decision to let go of long-time presenter John Torode following allegations of using racist language. Miers, now the successful owner of the Wahaca restaurant chain, expressed her disbelief in the decision in a recent interview with The Sunday Times.
‘A Dedicated Career Undone’
Speaking about Torode, who had been a pivotal figure in the MasterChef series for nearly two decades, Miers stated: “I cannot believe that John got hung out to dry like that. Twenty years of his life of dedicated service. John is like the least racist person I’ve ever met … I just don’t get it.”
Miers refrained from commenting on the parallel rumours surrounding Gregg Wallace, Torode’s co-host, but acknowledged that “smutty” kitchen humour is not uncommon in the food industry. “I have a really smutty sense of humour, so God knows what the BBC would make of some of the banter we have. I don’t think they’d approve, but we have a lot of fun in kitchen settings.”
The Allegations Against John Torode
The controversy surrounding Torode stems from several historical allegations of unprofessional conduct, highlighted in a report that also focused on his co-presenter, Gregg Wallace. Specifically, the BBC accused Torode of using a racial slur in two separate incidents, one of which allegedly occurred during after-work drinks seven years ago and another during a filming session in 2018.
One insider reported that Torode used the term as part of a conversation with a colleague, adding that he “apologised immediately” and was “mortified” by its potential implications. Despite claims that the term was not used with malicious intent, the BBC maintained its stance and decided not to renew Torode’s contract.
The findings also drew attention to nine complaints lodged against Torode, including allegations of abusive language toward junior staff. However, most of these claims were dismissed due to lack of evidence or supporting witness testimony.
Responses and Ongoing Fallout
Torode responded to the allegations with a lengthy Instagram post, denying recollection of the incidents and expressing disappointment in how the ordeal was handled by the BBC. “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay, I’m seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of,” Torode wrote.
Despite the controversy, ITV continues to air a separate show featuring Torode and his wife, Lisa, titled John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen. Meanwhile, the BBC is proceeding with already-filmed episodes of MasterChef, albeit reducing both Torode’s and Wallace’s screentime amid the backlash. Decisions about upcoming celebrity editions and Christmas specials remain uncertain.
This ongoing dispute has sparked broader discussions about accountability, workplace culture, and historical misconduct in the entertainment industry. Whether the BBC’s decisions will serve as a turning point or a topic for debate remains to be seen.