John Torode has been terminated from his role as a presenter on MasterChef following the substantiation of an allegation involving the use of racist language.
On Monday, the television chef stated he had “no recollection” of the alleged incident, adding, “I do not believe that it happened.”
However, on Tuesday, reports confirmed his dismissal from the program.
This development deepens the crisis surrounding the BBC cooking show, which is already facing scrutiny after more than 40 separate allegations against Torode’s co-host, Gregg Wallace, were also substantiated as part of an inquiry into his conduct.
The controversy surrounding MasterChef began last year, when BBC News initially reported claims of inappropriate sexual language against Wallace.
Wallace was dismissed last week as dozens more individuals came forward to BBC News with allegations against him. He has consistently denied these claims.
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, who departed in May, remains the corporation’s highest-paid on-air personality.
Stephen Nolan was the seventh highest paid on-air presenter in 2024-25 on between £405,000 and £409,999.
The licence fee generated £3.8bn for the BBC in 2024-25, 65% of the corporation’s total income.
Bilton School in Rugby apologised after preventing a pupil from making a speech at school while wearing a union jack dress.
BBC culture reporter Noor Nanji takes a look at when the allegations were first made and what’s happened since.