Ncuti Gatwa says he left Doctor Who as ‘I am getting old and my body was tired'
In May, during his final episode as the 15th Doctor, Gatwa appeared to be replaced by former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper when his character regenerated.
Gatwa told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: 'I'm getting old, and my body was tired… and I've now just started doing some ballet, so I'm making really great decisions.
'It's the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of and – because it's so good – it's strenuous.
'It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time.'
Asked if he would ever come back to the show, he said: 'Never say never.'
Barbie star Gatwa has played the Doctor since Tennant's Time Lord bi-generated in 2023, after his version of the alien character was brought back to the series as the 14th Doctor.
Gatwa was expected to be the UK's spokesperson at the Eurovision Song Contest in May but pulled out, with speculation the decision was connected to controversy surrounding Israel's participation in the competition.
'It all panned out very interestingly. I pulled out of it a long time before it was announced', he said.
'And it was announced when it was announced, I don't know why, but I was just very busy.
'Just had a lot of work schedules, a lot of press around The Roses, around Doctor (Who).'
Asked about the speculation surrounding his withdrawal, Gatwa, who did not watch this year's competition, said: 'I was just very busy.'
The actor appeared on the Sunday morning news show to discuss the West End premiere of Born With Teeth, a play that re-imagines the relationship between rival playwrights Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare.
Gatwa plays Marlowe with his Sex Education co-star Edward Bluemel as Shakespeare in the Royal Shakespeare Company production at London's Wyndham's Theatre from August.
'It's a really great story between these two huge literary icons, and it's very exciting to imagine what could have happened in a room together', he said.
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Powys County Times
26 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Tim Davie condemns ‘serious racist term' used by John Torode
BBC director-general Tim Davie has condemned the 'serious racist term' used by presenter John Torode, after it was announced his contract on MasterChef will not be renewed. Australian-born Torode, 59, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. On Monday night, Torode confirmed he 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 the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace. In an interview with BBC News on Tuesday, Davie said he saw the situation as an opportunity for the corporation to 'reset'. He said he was not directly involved with the matter but was told about the recommendation not to 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. '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 confirmed on Monday night he was the person alleged to have used racist language but 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,' Prime Minister Sir 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.' It comes after the BBC addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year, which has not yet been aired, on Monday, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it. 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.' The MasterChef upheaval comes as the BBC faces scrutiny over the Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone documentary which, after a review, was found to have breached the corporation's editorial guidelines on accuracy. The corporation has also been criticised over its coverage of Glastonbury, particularly the live stream of punk duo Bob Vylan's set, during which singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'. 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.
Scottish Sun
31 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
How ‘heartbroken' & ‘blindsided' MasterChef star John Torode learned BBC had sacked him over ‘racism at work' revealed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MASTERCHEF presenter John Torode learned yesterday that he had been sacked by reading about it on the BBC News website. The star, 59, was said to be heartbroken after the BBC and production firm Banijay confirmed his dismissal for racist language following the Gregg Wallace scandal. 6 John Torode was said to be heartbroken after his dismissal from Masterchef was confirmed Credit: Alamy 6 John was dismissed for racist language following the Gregg Wallace scandal Credit: BBC 6 John pictured with his wife Lisa Faulkner Credit: PA 6 John Torode's statement in full Credit: instagram A source said: 'John had no idea. 'He was blindsided.' His axing came after Beeb chief Tim Davie said no presenter was bigger than the show. BBC's MasterChef meltdown The Corporation said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language. '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's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. Source '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 read about it on the BBC News website. 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. 'Devastated' Gregg Wallace FIRED by BBC over MasterChef sexual comments 'Obviously he's heartbroken. 'He feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.' Another source told The Sun the Australian chef planned to quit at the end of this week. In an Instagram post John 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. 'I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else.' The report into the behaviour of MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace, 60, upheld 45 of 83 complaints from 2005 to 2024, leading to his sacking. Mental health issues Torode was cited in the report — but not named — over a racist remark allegedly made during a private conversation. We revealed yesterday that BBC bosses had asked Torode to resign at the weekend and claim he had mental health issues. He refused to do so. No decision has been made as to whether the next MasterChef series will be aired. Mr Davie insisted the show 'absolutely' had a future and was 'much bigger than individuals'. 6 Torode learned that he had been sacked by reading about it on the BBC News website Credit: Getty 6 John 'feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report' Credit: PA
The Sun
31 minutes ago
- The Sun
How ‘heartbroken' & ‘blindsided' MasterChef star John Torode learned BBC had sacked him over ‘racism at work' revealed
MASTERCHEF presenter John Torode learned yesterday that he had been sacked by reading about it on the BBC News website. The star, 59, was said to be heartbroken after the BBC and production firm Banijay confirmed his dismissal for racist language following the Gregg Wallace scandal. 6 6 6 A source said: 'John had no idea. 'He was blindsided.' His axing came after Beeb chief Tim Davie said no presenter was bigger than the show. BBC's MasterChef meltdown The Corporation said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language. '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's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. Source ' 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 read about it on the BBC News website. 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. 'Devastated' Gregg Wallace FIRED by BBC over MasterChef sexual comments 'Obviously he's heartbroken. 'He feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.' Another source told The Sun the Australian chef planned to quit at the end of this week. In an Instagram post John 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. 'I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else.' The report into the behaviour of MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace, 60, upheld 45 of 83 complaints from 2005 to 2024, leading to his sacking. Mental health issues Torode was cited in the report — but not named — over a racist remark allegedly made during a private conversation. We revealed yesterday that BBC bosses had asked Torode to resign at the weekend and claim he had mental health issues. He refused to do so. No decision has been made as to whether the next MasterChef series will be aired. Mr Davie insisted the show 'absolutely' had a future and was 'much bigger than individuals '. 6 6 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.'
