Ten minutes with Johnny McEvoy
He has marked the milestone with a new album entitled Both Sides — 14 songs and six audio stories recorded and read by the singer.
This week he took time our to talk to the Irish Post...
Johnny McEvoy has released a new album What are you up to?
I'm writing poems, short stories, songs and I'm still touring. Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine?
There is one piece that does it: Beethoven's Emperor Concerto. It was featured in a 1975 Australian movie called Picnic At Hanging Rock which is actually one of my favourite movies. Which musician or singer has most influenced you?
There are two: Hank Williams influenced me a lot in my early years followed by the best of them all in my opinion, Liam Clancy. I believe he was the best singer and storyteller, the while being also very theatrical. What's on your smartphone playlist at the minute?
I don't have one. What are your favourite lyrics?
Any of Dylan's songs: Desolation Row I believe is his finest. But I could name dozens of other songs from various artists.
The Planter's Daughter is an intriguing song that you wrote. What's the story behind it?
It's a song I wrote about my wife. It tells the story of how we met, trying to find a decent chat up line, and after many failed attempts she eventually agreed to meet me for a coffee.
We were together for 50 years. I'll always love the planter's daughter. What are your Irish roots?
My family roots are in Galway, but I was born in Banagher, Co. Offaly. The family left there when I was 6, and have lived in Dublin and surrounding areas since. What is your favourite place in Ireland?
A place I would find moving in an historical and atmospheric way would be the Feather Beds in the Dublin mountains. I always find it very calming and it just sits there unchanged in silence looking down over Dublin. What would you say has been your proudest moment on stage over you many decades of singing?
Any night can be your proudest night, but the next night can be a disaster. I wouldn't change a thing.
McEvoy's new album Both Sides What has been your favourite venue?
The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, when I walk into the Gaiety even now 60 years after I first performed there the smell alone brings back a thousand memories. Have you a book that has been a major influence on you?
Sean O'Casey's autobiography. Which living person do you most admire?
Any man or woman who deals with addiction and comes out on top. Which trait in others do you most admire?
I would admire loyalty most. What would be your motto?
Everything begins and ends at exactly the right time and place, would be something I live by. What's the best advice you've ever been given?
Do your job and do it to the best of your ability....that was from my dad. In terms of inanimate objects, what is your most precious possession?
A portrait of Michael Collins that was given to me by my wife the day we got married. What's best thing about where you live?
The sea. And the worst?
The DART. What do you believe in?
I'm growing to believe in myself. What do you consider the greatest work of art?
For me Michelangelo's David. Who is the greatest love of your life?
Odette, my wife, was the love of my life.
www.johnnymcevoy.com
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The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside MasterChef production company's ‘mortifying' summer party just hours after John Torode sacking
THE production company behind scandal-hit MasterChef was left blushing last night as the BBC show's latest behind-the-scenes drama overshadowed its big summer party. Just hours before Banijay UK hosted its 'Summer Showcase' event at The Brewery in London , Advertisement 5 John Torode's MasterChef exit overshadowed Banijay UK's summer party, attendees have claimed Credit: BBC 5 The party was held at London's The Brewery Credit: Alamy The Australian chef, 59, who has hosted the show since 2005 was sacked for a racist comment he allegedly made seven years ago, which Guests at the bash called the ill-timed night "the most awkward thing ever" and said that An insider told The Sun: 'It couldn't have happened on a worse day. Obviously it had been in the diary for months but it was so embarrassing for the big bosses at Banijay. "It was billed as their big showcase where they show off all their upcoming shows, and they have everyone there from production staff to stakeholders and commissioners from all the key channels. Advertisement READ MORE ON MASTERCHEF "Unfortunately, given that they announced the sacking of John Torode just hours before the party kicked off, it was all anyone could talk about. It was the most awkward party ever. "The MasterChef situation was the gossip of the night, on what should have been an occasion to celebrate the company's successes and crow about what they had coming up. "The big wigs didn't want to cancel it as that wouldn't have been a good look, but the powers that be couldn't wait for it to be over.' Banijay UK declined to comment. Advertisement Most read in News TV BBC bosses branded the term Torode allegedly used "extremely offensive". His exit followed the release of a 'We'll never work with him again', blast BBC as Gregg Wallace report reveals 'substantial' allegations over 19 YEARS The dossier also upheld a complaint that an unnamed person used a racial phrase once several years ago. BBC's MasterChef meltdown Advertisement Host Read John Torode's Look at His shamed co-host BBC Director General Torode confirmed to The Sun it referred to him, but said: 'I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.' Not long after Torode had spoken out, a BBC spokesperson said: '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. Advertisement "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.' Banijay wrote a statement which added: "In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. Advertisement "The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 5 Torode's former co-host Gregg Wallace was also axed from the show Credit: PA 5 Torode has presented MasterChef since 2005 Credit: Shine Ltd 5 Torode with his wife Lisa Faulkner Credit: PA:Press Association Advertisement "This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. "Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef." MASTERCHEF SCANDAL TIMELINE 2005 to 2011: Problems with MasterChef began way back in the mid-2000s, with 27 substantiated claims made against host Gregg Wallace regarding alleged incidents in this period, according to a report by law firm Lewis Silkin. Most of these were related to sexually explicit comments, although one allegation of unwanted physical contact in this period was also substantiated. The same report found there was a failure by the production company to retain records of any actions taken during this time. 2012 to 2018: Another 17 allegations were upheld from this period, according to the report. The production company behind MasterChef investigated an allegation about Wallace's behaviour in 2015 - but he was not made aware of the complaint. In 2016, the production company merged with Endemol, introducing more formal policies as well as regular training and anonymous reporting lines. The BBC intervened in response to a complaint in 2017, after which Wallace was then warned to change his behaviour. 2019 to 2024: One substantiated complaint about an inappropriate comment was from this time period. November 2024: Wallace faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a 17-year period on a range of TV shows. He steps away from presenting MasterChef while Banijay - the show's production company - announces it will conduct an external review to 'fully and impartially investigate' the claims against him. Some of these allegations included Wallace 'talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans'. Banijay UK also confirms it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. December 2024: Wallace posts a video on Instagram which claims accusations against him making sexual comments towards staff and guests have come from 'middle-class women of a certain age'. His remarks are widely panned as "inappropriate and misogynistic', causing Wallace to apologise for any 'offence' or 'upset' he caused with his remarks, saying he will 'take some time out'. Co-host John Torode says he 'loves being part of' the show and 'will continue to be a part of it'. July 8 to 9, 2025: Wallace is sacked as MasterChef presenter following an enquiry into his alleged misconduct by Banijay. In an Instagram post, the former greengrocer claimed he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him, ahead of the published review. He also said he recognised that some of his humour and language was inappropriate 'at times' and apologised for this. July 14, 2025: Lewis Silkin publishes its report, on behalf of Banijay. It says that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace during his time on the show were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact'. It concludes that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated'. In the wake of the report's findings, Banijay says that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable'. July 15, 2025 : Co-host Torode is sacked after allegedly making a racist remark while on the show. BBC bosses axe the TV host and slam an "extremely offensive" term, which was raised in the bombshell report into Gregg Wallace's "inappropriate behaviour". Torode says the comment - which the report attributed to an unnamed person - referred to him, but added: 'I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.' 'SHOCKED AND APPALLED' It is understood to be the only issue involving him in the report, though a source close to him said he is 'absolutely devastated to have been pulled into this mess'. Advertisement They went on: 'He was at drinks after filming when he is alleged to have used an inappropriate racial term. "The witness said he apologised instantly, and he was mortified. 'The witness even stated he didn't use the term as a slur. 'No one complained at the time, but it's been brought up during the inquiry. Advertisement "Shockingly he was only made aware of the incident two weeks ago and was only informed on Friday that it would be upheld." The BBC called John on Thursday night, followed by an email on Friday, asking him to step back. He was told to have his answer by Monday. A source claimed: 'They ambushed him, and it was suggested he quit due to the stress and scrutiny of the furore around the show. Advertisement 'Obviously he was absolutely shocked and appalled and told them quite firmly he didn't have any mental health issues. "To try to use mental health as a get-out clause seems incredibly low — and is also deeply unfair to those with genuine mental health trauma. What did the report find? FORTY-five allegations made against Gregg Wallace during his time on MasterChef, including one of "unwelcome physical contact", were found to have been substantiated. An independent report commissioned by production company Banijay assessed 83 allegations against Wallace. The report substantiated: - Twelve claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendo; - Sixteen reports he made sexually explicit comments; - Two allegations that he made sexualised comments to or about someone; - Four complaints that he made culturally insensitive or racist comments; - Three claims that he was in a state of undress; - Seven allegations of bullying; - One allegation of unwanted touching. The allegations span from 2005 to 2024 'John absolutely loves MasterChef, and doesn't want to lose his job because of an investigation into his co-star.' Melbourne-born John moved to the UK in 1991 and started working in London restaurants including Quaglino's. Advertisement It was there he met greengrocer Wallace, who provided their veg. He started cooking on This Morning in 1996 before he and Wallace began hosting the revamped MasterChef in 2005. GREGG WALLACE SCANDAL The bombshell inquiry, carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin for production company Banijay, unveiled The report found out of the 83 allegations against the host, 45 were substantiated. Advertisement Most of them involved inappropriate sexual language and humour. Of the substantiated claims regarding Wallace, some related to other inappropriate language, being in a state of undress, and one case of unwanted physical contact. The report concluded 94 per cent of the allegations against Wallace related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018. There was one substantiated allegation after 2018. Advertisement Claims we've previously reported about Gregg THE report upheld 45 out of the 83 complaints made. Here we take a look at the allegations made against the TV star: - November 28, 2024 Wallace faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News. The TV star steps away from presenting MasterChef while Banijay, the show's production company, announces it is conducting an external review to "fully and impartially investigate" the claims against him. BBC News says allegations include the presenter "talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans". Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011, says he told "sexualised" jokes during filming. Model Ulrika Jonsson tells The Telegraph that when she competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, Wallace allegedly had to apologise after making a "rape joke", which caused another female contestant to become "really distressed". Sir Rod Stewart takes to Instagram following the accusations, accusing Wallace of "humiliating" his wife Penny Lancaster on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021. Producer and director Dawn Elrick posts a letter on Instagram which includes a number of anonymous accounts from people who allege they "have experienced sexism and sexual harassment within the TV industry". She claims the letter, which accuses Wallace of making lewd comments, was sent to the BBC in 2022. The TV star's lawyers say "it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature", BBC News reports. Wallace thanks his Instagram followers for "showing their support". - November 29, 2024 Wallace faces a string of new allegations with one woman, who worked on a travel show with him, accusing him of making "lesbian jokes constantly", as reported by BBC News. The charity Ambitious About Autism says it had dropped Wallace as an ambassador, citing the "recent allegations". - November 30, 2024 The Sunday Telegraph reports producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about "inappropriate" behaviour from him while working on the show. Banijay UK confirms it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. - December 1, 2024 Wallace says in a video posted to Instagram that accusations about him making sexual comments towards staff and guests have come from "middle-class women of a certain age". TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp tells BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend that she was "so embarrassed" she thought she "might cry" after Wallace allegedly made a comment to her about his sex life. Celebrity MasterChef 2012 champion Emma Kennedy tells Times Radio the former greengrocer "just doesn't understand that some behaviour is completely inappropriate". - December 2, 2024 Downing Street says Wallace's response to the accusations being made against him was "inappropriate and misogynistic". A spokesperson also says that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has held talks with BBC bosses in the wake of the Wallace row. Following the backlash, Wallace apologises for any "offence" or "upset" he caused with his remarks and said he will now "take some time out" while the investigation is under way. - December 3, 2024 Two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials are pulled from the BBC's schedule. Wallace faces fresh allegations with one woman claiming he touched her bottom after an event and another alleging he pressed his crotch against her while filming on a different show, according to BBC News. - December 4, 2024 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says politicians should be ready to put in place "mechanisms" that would instil "confidence" that women will be taken seriously in reports of inappropriate behaviour after a Labour MP asked him about "women of a certain age", reflecting comments Wallace apologised for. MasterChef presenter John Torode says in a social media post that he "loves being part of" the programme and "will continue to be a part of it" after Wallace stepped back from the show. A ghostwriter claims Wallace sexually harassed her while she was working on his 2012 autobiography. - December 10, 2024 Ms Nandy says she is "prepared to take further action" if the creative industries cannot address "cultures of silence and issues being swept under the rug" in relation to claims of misconduct while appearing before the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee. - April 25, 2025 Wallace tells the Daily Mail he "thought about suicide all the time" after allegations of misconduct were made against him. - July 8, 2025 Wallace is sacked as MasterChef presenter following the inquiry into his alleged misconduct by production company Banijay, BBC News reports. Fresh claims about the TV presenter are made from 50 more people to the corporation including allegations he groped one MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another, BBC News says. The majority claim he made inappropriate sexual comments, with 11 women accusing him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. BBC News says it has not seen the final review from Banijay, but it is understood the presenter has been sacked. In an Instagram post the former greengrocer claims he had been cleared of the "most serious and sensational accusations" against him, ahead of the published review. He also said he recognises that some of his humour and language was inappropriate "at times" and apologised for this. It is not known which of these complaints - if any - were upheld.
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
ITV stand by John Torode after MasterChef sacking as crisis talks held over future of hit show with wife Lisa
ITV are standing by John Torode in the wake of his sacking from MasterChef. The Sun understands the broadcaster held crisis talks yesterday about whether or not to air this Saturday's episode of John And Lisa's Weekend Kitchen. 4 John Torode was the second person to have complaints upheld against him in the investigation into Gregg Wallace's conduct on MasterChef Credit: Alamy 4 John Torode and Lisa Faulkner on John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen Credit: ITV 4 The Sun understands the broadcaster held crisis talks yesterday about whether or not to air this Saturday's episode of John And Lisa's Weekend Kitchen Credit: Shutterstock Editorial But insiders said the broadcaster was backing him. A source said: 'There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to John but ITV are standing by him. 'There were crisis talks yesterday about what to do. There were some concerns raised about the optics around John and what has happened at the BBC. 'But after much discussion they chose to stand by John. Read more 'As it stands, this weekend's episode will go ahead.' A second source added: 'ITV have never had any issues with John and they've never had any complaints or concerns about his conduct. 'They will back him to the hilt.' The Sun revealed on Tuesday that John was the second person to have complaints upheld against him in the investigation into Gregg Wallace's conduct on MasterChef. Most read in TV Yesterday he was sacked by the BBC. The Corporation said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld . 'This allegation — which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace — was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by law firm Lewis Silkin. " John Torode denies the allegation. '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 will not be renewed.' A source said: 'John's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. 'He on the BBC News website. 'Obviously he's heartbroken. 'He feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Another source told The Sun the Australian chef planned to quit at the end of this week. 4 Torode has hosted MasterChef since 2005, alongside Wallace Credit: BBC
The Journal
7 hours ago
- The Journal
'I'm reading that I've been sacked': Masterchef host Torode follows Gregg Wallace out the door
TV PRESENTER JOHN Torode said he learned from reading media reports about his 'sacking' from MasterChef for using a racist term but added 'it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else'. The celebrity chef, 59, said he had not heard from the BBC or the production company Banijay UK, and repeated that he still had no recollection of the accusation against him, in a statement posted on his Instagram account yesterday evening. BBC director-general Tim Davie had earlier condemned the 'serious racist term' the Australian-born presenter was alleged to have used, after it was announced his contract on MasterChef will not be renewed. Torode began presenting the BBC cooking contest alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. On Monday night, Torode confirmed Torode was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into Wallace's behaviour while filming the programme over 19 years. He then posted a lengthy statement on Instagram yesterday evening, saying: '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 said Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials which he recently filmed 'will be my last'. It is not clear if the BBC will air these shows. He went on: '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. '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.' Torode and Gregg Wallace. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo In an interview with BBC News earlier yesterday evening, Davie said he was not directly involved with the matter but was told of the recommendation to not renew Torode's contract and was 'happy that the team were taking action'. He went on: 'It's really important that we are taking this seriously. It's a reset where we make sure that people are living up to the values we expect across the board.' Asked exactly what Torode said, Davie replied: 'I'm not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly it was serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.' A statement from production company Banijay UK released earlier said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. Advertisement 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. 'Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode previously said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. A BBC spokesperson said: '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.' Davie insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out, while presenting the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report earlier on Tuesday. Davie said: 'I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.' Downing Street has said it 'utterly condemns' any instance of racist language after the allegation made against Torode was upheld. 'When it comes to racism (it) clearly has no place at the BBC or anywhere in society, and we utterly condemn any instances of racist language or abuse in the strongest possible terms,' the UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer's official spokesman said. 'And it's obviously up to the BBC, who are operationally independent from Government, to take forward any necessary next steps.' The BBC said it has not yet made a final decision on whether to broadcast a series of MasterChef filmed last year with Wallace and Torode. A spokesperson for the corporation said: 'We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.' In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity. He became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV's This Morning, before joining MasterChef alongside Wallace when it was known as MasterChef Goes Large.
